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Dennis posted a condolence
Thursday, February 7, 2019
EULOGY FOR WILLIAM DIRK GUM
William Dirk Gum was born November 12, 1959 to Robert Dirk Gum and Jeanette Marie (Barner) Gum in Spokane, Washington where his father was in the Air Force, stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base. Dirk was the third child in a family of seven children.
A few months after his birth the family moved to Painesville Ohio where Dirk was introduced to his dad’s side of the family and where his dad attended electronics school.
Two and half years later his family moved back to Washington, to the Olympia area where he eventually began elementary school at Garfield Elementary in Olympia. During the 2nd grade the family moved to Tumwater, where he attended Peter G. Schmidt Elementary and Tumwater Junior and Senior High School. Early on at Tumwater our Parents decided to raise a couple of horses, something Dirk took a great liking to. He was by far the most excited about riding them, and fearlessly would get them to gallop, something the rest of us, or at least me, was afraid to do. It was here in Tumwater where Dirk developed a love of Music, Football, and Drama. He played drums in band and developed a love and talent for drama. Dirk graduated from Tumwater High School in 1979.
He married Rosie Denise Sanchez on October 11, 1980. Their first child, Jared Levii Gum, was born June 28th, 1981. In 1982 Dirk followed his father’s footsteps and served in the U.S. Air Force (1982-1988). He was a Senior Airman with the Military Police. During his military service he served three years in Colorado Springs and three years in Turkey. While serving in Colorado Springs their 2nd child, Noah Tylor Gum was born on March 11, 1983, and their 3rd child, Dirk William Gum, was born on January 11th, 1985.
After the Airforce Dirk worked at Olympic Arms (1989-1991) making firearms, and then finishing a degree in Computer Technology at South Puget Sound Community College he spent the rest of his career with Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife becoming a Network Administrator (1994-2018). During his 24 years working for the State he developed a great love for the work he did there and especially for the people he worked with.
Dirk had a great sense of humor, self-effacing, dry and sarcastic. Especially, The Dirktionary of Dirk-isms, which will be mentioned later. Later in life he continued to develop his love of music, teaching himself to play several instruments, he even took up the ukulele. For a time, he participated in community theater, took up home brewing, technology of all kinds, and cooking great food he loved. He became particularly good at and enjoyed making hamburgers that rivaled popular fast food places in the area. He took great care to match the shape and thickness of the patty and the presentation of the meal matching the basket and red checkered liner to go with it. He told his sister “if it was not a messy hamburger in was not a good hamburger.”
One aspect of Dirks personality that became apparent in later years, was he loved family and friends. And loved when they would visit. When be bought his home there in Lacey, we had the opportunity to visit and spend a few nights. He said he was glad to have a place with lots of room for people to come and visit when they come to town. Dirk also developed the talent of poetry and penned an emotional tribute to his father called “Moments.” A poem dearly cherished by all his family. He absolutely adored his grandchildren and treasured his moments with them. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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Anne Masias posted a condolence
Saturday, January 19, 2019
Dirk was one of my first IT friends when I came to work at WDFW. I will miss his humor and help. Blessings to his family. He will be missed.
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Don Chase posted a condolence
Thursday, January 17, 2019
I met Dirk when he was a student at SPSCC. I arranged an internship at WDFW (Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife). He later won an award for this internship and I was honored to be there when he received his award. I then hired Dirk full-time at WDFW in 1994. During my tenure he always did great work and a job well done. I as well as his co-workers enjoyed working with him and often relied on him. I enjoyed him both personally and professionally.
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DeAnna posted a condolence
Thursday, January 17, 2019
I will miss you more than anything in my life! No one, I mean no one, has told me he loved me more than Dirk did! He is the best brother anyone could ask for!
We seemed to be in perfect sync with our cooking projects and many other things.
In almost every family photo you are next to me! You are My defender and my hero and my only Ali. I am sad to walk through the rest of my life without you.
But now when I feel you near me, I am suddenly happy and giggling! I know you are free from all the suffering. You fought as long as you could! You are with Dad and playing practical jokes on us!
Love you Forever Bro
Your favorite sister!
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The Offtermatt Family lit a candle
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
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Our condolences to the Gum family. May your happy memories support you in this time of grieving.
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Robert Reichard posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Dirk was a great teacher. He had a lot of patience. Dirk spent many hours explaining complex IT topics to me. I learned a lot from him and I'll miss his visits.
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Sean Carrell posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Dirk was an amazing human being. Often enjoyed our frank/off the cuff conversations how "he" would like to see things done in the IT world. Forever grateful to have met him and I will cherish our desk side conversations throughout my years of service with Dirk at WDFW.
My thoughts are with the family and friends as they go through this difficult time.
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Pablo lit a candle
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
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Dolena Grivell posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Forever in my heart mind and soul Xo
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Deanna Gilmore uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
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Healthy and Happy and Handsome
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Deanna Gilmore uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
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Nov 2017 Looking good!
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Deanna Gilmore uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
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Junior picture
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Rosie Wolters purchased flowers
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
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Vanessa Clapp purchased flowers
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
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Rosie Wolters posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
You loved to dance !
And you were the best !
I never got tired of watching you dance!
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Lorraine Damon posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
One of the things I remember most was Dirk’s sense of humor. He was always happy & had a heart of gold. I gained new respect for him as a father, he loved his boys & was always there for them. He raised 3 beautiful boys & my heart aches for their loss. Rest In Peace Dirk, you’re now flying high with the angels, god bless.
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Larry Eickstaedt posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Sincere condolences to you and your family, Jared
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