Obituary of Gary Ross Orud

Gary Ross Orud Gary Ross Orud, 57, a 20 plus year resident of Lake Cushman, Washington, died in Tenino, Washington, on January 1, 2009 of cancer. He was born July 28, 1951 in Fargo, North Dakota to N. Donald Orud and Eunice Williamson (Possehl). In 1988, Gary married Kathy Moorehead at Lake Cushman. Once in a great while if we are truly lucky, someone very special walks into our lives. For a great many that someone was Gary Orud. Gary was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a Grandfather, an Uncle and a friend to many, and although he had many accomplishments both large and small in his life, he would have counted these accomplishments above all others. Gary helped organize the Lake Cushman Volunteer Fire Department and was Chief for many years helping to shape the direction of Mason County District 18 with a steady hand and a clear vision of where he wanted the department to go. His levelheaded approach to this project as well as all others that he tackled in his life helped him reach his goals with a clarity that gave those who worked with him a strong sense of confidence and accomplishment. Gary enjoyed life and had a multitude of interests that kept him busy. Computers, photography and woodworking were but a few of the things that he had a passion for and he enjoyed sharing his interests with others and helped to teach and mentor many who became friends because of shared interests. There was a quiet strength to Gary that brought hopefulness and peace to those around him in times of trouble, or turmoil. He was multifaceted and you could count on him to view all sides before weighing in with a solution that perfectly fit the situation. Gary is gone, but leaves behind the treasured gift of his unselfish love and friendship given freely and often. Gary is survived by his wife, Kathy Orud of Hoodsport; son, Brian Moorehead; and 2 Grandsons of Tenino; daughter, Kerrie Rios and husband Rick of Vancouver; mother, Eunice Williamson of Shelton; Brother, Lowell Orud and family of Longview; sister, Paula Sykes and family of Snohomish; and a wonderful extended family of friends and neighbors. His father, N. Donald Orud preceded him in death, A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at the Hoodsport Fire Hall at N. 331 Finch Creek Rd. in Hoodsport, Washingon on Saturday, January 10h at 12:00pm. Memorial donations may be made to: Children's Hospital Foundation PO Box 50020/S-200 Seattle, WA 98145-5020 Arrangements are under the direction of Funeral Alternatives of Washington. Please sign the guestbook for Gary by clicking "View Guestbook" below.