Gary Wayne Lindquist

May 23, 1940 -

Aug 5, 2026

Gary Wayne Lindquist, age 86, passed away on Aug. 5, 2026 in South Carolina, of natural causes. Gary's adventurous life began on May 23, 1940, in Chanute, Kan., with his parents Fred and Leona Lindquist and brother Billy, Joe who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident at age 15. Gary was a photographer for the army after the Korean War. He had two sons, Tommy and Billy Joe, from his first marriage. He moved to Colorado, where he worked in Leadville placing explosives for a mining company for 10 years. Gary earned his private pilot license and loved to fly and hunt and camp. He moved to Alaska and worked on the pipeline. Later, he worked for the Municipality of Anchorage, where he met and married the love of his life, Lynn. They were married for almost 40 years and lived a happy life together along with her daughter, Heather, whom he adopted. Together they shared wonderful holidays and social gatherings, and their motto was "the more, the merrier!" He and Lynn were always surrounded by friends who constantly visited their homes and were always warmly welcomed and offered food and entertained as royalty.

Gary was a master of fishing and once caught a 65-pound king salmon. During fishing season, Gary took friends and family fishing on the Kenai River, where he knew all the great fishing holes, and helped clean and grill the fresh fish for a real Alaska dining treat. No wonder they had had streams of visitors all day and into the evening! The memories of those days on the river are talked about to this day by those lucky enough to have been included in Gary and Lynn's adventures!

In retirement he enjoyed summers in their cabin on the Kenai River, and winter months in their home in Eagle River. The family made teacup bird feeders for craft shows. Gary became well known for his beautiful diamond willow walking canes depicting whole scenes of Alaska flora and fauna for which he was awarded purple Grand Champion ribbons year after year at the Alaska State Fair.

He loved to paint and do Sudoku and Crypto puzzles. He moved to South Carolina to be near Heather. He was cherished by his daughter and loved by all his many cousins and friends. He is survived by his stepsister, Glenice Savidge; and son, Billy Joe; and daughter, Heather. Gary will be interred at the Ft. Richardson National Cemetery, Alaska, and will rest in peace beside his precious Lynn.

This humble, loving, and multi-talented man's remarkable life will be honored at a celebration of life to be announced at a later date in South Carolina.