Gary Eugene Walvoord

Gary E. Walvoord, 86, of Frederick Maryland, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 13, 2024, with his daughter by his side, due to complications from lung cancer.

Born in Denver, Colorado on June 29, 1938, Gary was predeceased by his wife Bonnie and granddaughter Sarah Gleason, his parents Oliver and Evelyn Walvoord, sister Elaine Arison and brother Russell. He is survived by his children Eric, Traci Diane Gleason, and his grandchildren Connor and Katie Gleason.

For thirty years prior to his retirement, Gary was a civilian Arts & Crafts Director at Fairchild Air Force Base (FAFB) in Spokane, WA where he managed the separate Auto, Wood, and Arts & Crafts hobby shops. While working at FAFB, he designed and supervised the construction of two award winning parade floats for Spokane's Lilac Parade.

A lifelong artist and sculptor, Gary obtained his Master of Fine Arts degree from Fort Wright College in Spokane, WA. In addition to his career at FAFB, he maintained his own working studio where he created works in a variety of media including but not limited to wood carvings, welded steel sculptures, forged copper and brass, pottery, stained glass and silver casting that he sold through gallery sales and direct commissions.

Gary's passion for art is best summed up in his own words:

"Art is not a 'thing'. For me, ART is a process of 'MAKING SPECIAL' - the very human need and desire to move through time while making personal marks in and on their environment with song, dance, crafts, playing musical instruments, cooking, painting, carving, etc. This human PROCESS of 'MAKING SPECIAL' is what I call ART. I express my personal responses, attitudes, emotions, and experiences into my work. If the viewer brings the same or similar set of values, and attitudes, experiences and emotions to the work, there is a magical moment of 'understanding' and appreciation of the work."

A celebration of Gary’s life will take place on Saturday, August 3, 2024, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. ET, at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick MD 21702. Light appetizers will be served.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gary may be made online to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/GaryEWalvoord