Harold Gary Dempsey

On Monday November 4, 2024, Harold "Gary" Dempsey, loving husband, father, and papa, passed into his next chapter at the age of 84, surrounded by family.

Gary was born June 16, 1940, in Hood River, Oregon to Maurice and Bernice Dempsey. He spent his childhood and school-age years in Salem, Oregon graduating with his diploma from South Salem High School in 1958. Following high school, Gary enlisted in the Marines and later enlisted in the National Guard. He went on to serve his country for eight years.

Gary always looked at problems with a different lens than the rest of us. He never let anyone tell him he couldn't do something. He was an ambitious, creative, self-employed plumbing contractor that would go out of his way to help people out of shitty situations. His out of the box thinking gave him the ability to fix or repair anything he touched; that paired with his kindness and willingness to help people in need rewarded him with an extremely successful professional career. It was never about how successful he could be but rather how many people he could help.

Gary enjoyed many things over the years. He was an avid outdoorsman; his heart was content, and soul was at peace when he was hunting and fishing. It didn't matter if he was catching or shooting anything, he just enjoyed soaking in the outdoors with anyone and everyone that would accompany him. He enjoyed drawing and creating--having countless drawing competitions with his children and grandchildren.

He leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his family and friends who were always entertained by his stories and hilarious sense of humor. He truly was the life of the party.

Preceded in death by his daughter Kimberly Dempsey and his grandson Noahh McDonnell.

Gary leaves behind his wife and best friend of 28 years Carol "Lori" Dempsey, his six children, Ryan Clemens, Brian Clemens, Heather McDonnell, Kristi Dempsey, Ryan Dempsey, and Kari Radke, in addition to his 17 grandchildren along with a host of family and friends.