It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved and larger-than-life father, Gary Leland Moore. Gary passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on September 22, 2025, at the age of 85. 

Born on April 25, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan—at home, on the dining room table—Gary was the third of four boys raised by Carole and Paul Moore. When he was young, the family relocated to Southern California. Gary loved to paint, surf, and hang out with his friends from Hawthorn High School. He often told stories about his time living with his buddies at a place they affectionately called the “Haunted House”.  

At 17, he met the love of his life, Ethelmae (Britt), at a football game. They married shortly after his 21st birthday, and by the age of 30 were proud parents of four children. The were married for 63 years.  

Gary began his work life at Albertsons Grocery store and shortly after was hired by the Ralston Purina Company. He steadily worked his way up the corporate ladder and moved his young family across the U.S. with each promotion. In 1983, he left the corporate world behind and purchased the O’Brien Country Store in O’Brien, Oregon. Here, he poured his creativity and energy into reinventing it—adding a post office, a pond, a gift shop train caboose, and even a retired police car. He also joined the local volunteer fire department and became a well-loved member of the community. 

After 20 years, Gary and Ethel retired to Cottage Grove, Oregon. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, and volunteering at the food bank with Ethel—all while continuing to prioritize time with family. 

Gary is survived by his children Steven (Janet) Moore, Sherri Lauer, Kimberly Moore, and Kelli (Terry) Augustadt; his grandchildren Jordan (Isabella) Augustadt, Shaun (Ashlee) Lauer, Kayla (Weston) Simonet, Karly Lauer, Ally (Stephen) Karr, Elise Fixsen, Nicholas Moore, Alexa Fixsen, Olivia Moore, and Zuva Samuel; and his great-grandchildren Maeli, Cooper, Logan, McKenna, and Wells. He is also survived by his brother Bob (Pam) Moore and sister-in-law Maria Moore. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethelmae Moore, his parents, Paul and Carole Moore, his brothers, Don Moore and Bud Moore, and his son-in-law, Bill Lauer. 

 Gary lived a big life, filled with courage, humor, and love. As he would remind us, in the immortal words of Monty Python:  “Always look on the bright side of life.”