An 80th birthday, Oh how time flies

I recently had the honor of being invited to a party for a man that has strong roots in our community. This column could have easily been called “Past Gems in the Coulee” or “Where are these Gems now” but this man is much more than a part of our past around here. Gary Kuiper is still as relevant today as he was years ago.

It became apparent very quickly listening to the people from all generations and parts of Gary’s life that he has influenced a lot of folks all around this big country of ours. His seven kids told stories of their adventures over the years and his oversized heart, not just for birds and animals but for kids that need a good stable home too. Many people, me and my wife included, felt part of an adopted family that included two kids that were adopted. Gary and wife Judy have welcomed many people in over the years and influenced them with the simple word “family” followed by a bigger word, “love.”

But maybe I jumped ahead way too far for most of you. You might just be saying “Who is this Kuiper guy?” Well if you work at the National Park Service you already know who he is. Some say that our local park became an awesome place after he was hired here and has struggled since he left. His stamp is still seen all over our Spring Canyon, and although we don’t see it on a day-to-day basis, his name is still etched on plaques and letterhead and buildings from Spring Canyon to Kettle Falls. Ask most anyone involved with the Park Service while he was here and they will tell you he did more for the area than anyone will ever know.

He also was part of the tree board in Coulee Dam. His voice was an expert voice of knowledge and experience to a group that was struggling with what exactly was the right thing to do for trees and how that affected them as a community.

Put all that aside for a minute. He has raised some pretty good kids too. Ones that are affecting people’s lives today, although in different areas where they are just as effective, using the same tools he equipped them with so long ago. That being love and family.

If you still are not quite on board with what I am saying, let me give you a simple example from the night of his party. Gary has about 100 grandkids, (maybe an exaggeration) but as they all gathered around the dance floor and listened to the dance music and did their best moves, 80-year-old Gary joined them with a giant smile on his face, copied their moves and showed them some of his own. That is when it hit me. Gary does not care what anyone else thinks. He is enjoying his family. He loves them all. Blood, adopted and slightly strangers, he will take you in and love you. Yes, sometimes he can seem stern and harsh, but he is trying to teach you something that needs him to be and it is because he has a giant heart. He is a man of honor, respect and joy, and it shows on every face that calls Gary grandpa, dad, friend or family. I, for one, am glad he is in my life, even if it is just slightly, and I am proud to know he poured that same love into our community while he was here.

Thanks, Gary and Judy, for showing us what a very strong, Christian family should look like, and thanks, Gary, for showing us your dance moves.