Gary Lee Macarty

Gary Lee Macarty Jr., 64, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Monday, December 4th, following a brief illness.

Gary was born in Wenatchee, Washington on September 19, 1959 to Gary Lee Macarty Sr. and Sharon Slowe Macarty. His family moved to Pocatello when Gary was four years old. He graduated from Pocatello High School in 1978 and attended Idaho State University for two years studying business and finance.

In his younger years, Gary was an avid skier, swimmer, and scuba diver. He was a lifeguard and swimming instructor at ISU and Ross Park Aquatic Center. He loved hunting and fishing with his dad and younger brother, Brian. Gary was a hard worker all of his life and spent many years as a cook at Elmer’s Pancake and Steak House where he met his wife, Linda Howell Macarty. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Brandie and Janae. When Brandie was a toddler Gary began his career in insurance and financial planning. He started at a company called Safe Drivers selling accident policies. After a short time there, he worked for Mutual of Omaha. By the time Janae had arrived, Gary had begun his long and illustrious career with Bankers Life and Casualty Company where he worked until his death. He earned many awards and recognitions. He was a Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) and a Lifetime Member of the prestigious Bankers Life President’s Honor Circle. Gary truly cared for his clients on both professional and personal levels.

Although Gary and Linda divorced after 19 years of marriage, they remained friends and family. They celebrated holidays, birthdays, and special occasions together as well as took family trips with their children, grandchildren, and Gary’s partner, Steve Fisher.

Gary and Steve spent 27 wonderful years together. They enjoyed boating, camping, and traveling. They took many cruises to exciting places.

Gary made many friends over the years and welcomed everyone into his home for a cup of coffee, a meal, or just to visit. He loved cooking and entertaining and was a master at it. He prepared meals fit for royalty.

He loved his Boston Terriers, past and present, Bella, Lucy, and Gracie. Gary loved his children and grandchildren and cherished the time he spent with them whether camping, traveling, or riding the tractor and four-wheeler out in the pasture.

Gary is survived by his partner, Steve Fisher, his daughters Brandie (Brandon) Jacobia of Colorado, Janae (Terrick) Wartenbe of Pocatello, his grandchildren Bryton Jacobia, Braxton Jacobia, Noah Wartenbe, Quinnlin Wartenbe, and Beaux Wartenbe, his daughters’ mother, Linda Howell Macarty, his mother Sharon Macarty, his brother Brian Macarty, and sister Pamela (Robin) Croft. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Gary Lee Macarty Sr. and all of his grandparents.

A visitation will be held at Wilks Funeral Home in Chubbuck on Sunday, December 10th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. There will be graveside services at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 11th at Mountainview Cemetery.

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