Gary Lynn Breitenbucher, a son, our brother, a father & grandfather departed this world early Christmas morning, December 25. 2021.
He was the eldest son of Jack & Ruth Breitenbucher born October 13, 1952, in Seattle, WA.
His parents moved to Mt. Vernon, WA. from Seattle when Gary was young. In-between a move to Chicago, IL, he would grow up in the Skagit Valley where he would live most of his life.
He attended Mt. Vernon High School & Skagit Valley College where he discovered his passion for music and along the way gathered many musicians with the same passion. He opened up our teenage world to the music of Savoy Brown, CSNY, YES, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, Queen, Led Zeppelin and many more bands of that era.
Gary had many passions in his life, his music, Harley Davidson motorcycles and his family of friends that he gathered along his journey. His talent for music, mechanics and making lifelong friends came naturally to him. He may have even performed your marriage ceremony.
He was a self taught, accomplished drummer from a young age when he brought home a red snare drum / cymbal kit. As his talent grew he would go on to play with many bands either by joining or self made. He played & traveled with Randy Bachman of BTO (Bachman-Turner Overdrive) for several years, was a regular at many of the local Blues festivals. In September you could always count on Gary to host his annual Oyster Run festivities for all of his friends, their bikes & his family.
Gary was most proud of Gary B’s Church of Blues which gave many talented musicians a place to jam, meet up, improvise and enjoy many styles of music.
Gary created a lifestyle that he lived by. If you were his friend he loved you with his whole heart always greeting you with a huge hug and a story. Gary lived and departed this world on his own terms. He wanted everyone to know that he loved them, that he was richer for having shared music, laughter and adventure with all of you.
And if you listen very hard
The tune will come to you at last
When all are one and one is all
To be a rock and not to roll
Gary was preceded in death by his loving parents Jack & Ruth Breitenbucher. Gary is survived by his son Kory Breitenbucher, daughter Madison Vanderhouwen and granddaughter Aurora. Brother Jeff Breitenbucher and sisters Denise Breitenbucher and Sandra Tate and nephew Vance Tate and best friend Buster Brewer.