Gary Eugene Hercher, 78, of Tillamook, Oregon passed away on February 23, 2026 in Salem, Oregon with his family by his side. A celebration of life will be held on March 21, 2026 at 2:00PM at the Tillamook BPOE Elks Lodge.
Gary was born on April 18, 1947 in Tillamook, Oregon to Robert and Elna (Johnson) Hercher. After graduating from Tillamook High School in 1965, Gary went to work in the woods. One year after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he would attend Technical Training for mechanics. After graduating from Tech School, Gary received his orders to be stationed for 9 months at Upper Heyford Air Force Base in Oxfordshire, England as an aviation line mechanic. After England, Gary was stationed at Wiesbaden Air Force Base in Germany for 2 years where he was a crew chief on a C-97 Stratofreighter aircraft. During his time in Germany, Gary was named Airman of the Year. In 1972 he was honorably discharged from the USAF and returned home to Tillamook.
After returning home, Gary went right back to working in the woods logging and later would own and operate a rock crusher and build logging roads alongside his brother, Steve. His last adventure in the woods was when he bought a log truck and hauled logs until 2011 when he was nudged into retirement after being diagnosed with cancer. Two months of retirement was all his social life could handle so he started Tillamook Fire & Safety until he had a stroke in 2021.
Gary was heavily involved in the Elks where he served as Exalted Ruler and participated in many rituals taking him all over Oregon, eventually becoming a lifetime member. He also served as Arena Director for the Tillamook County Rodeo Association where he happily let his inner cowboy shine.
Gary had many roles in life but being Grandpa was one of his favorites. From after school adventures, riding Blondie the mini horse, sharing fudge popsicles, balloon filled sleepovers and his big warm hugs; he always found ways of showing each grand-daughter how much he loved them.
Gary is survived by his life partner Janet Catlin, brother Steve Hercher, sons Jeff (Jodee) Hercher and John (Kelsie) Hercher, grand-daughters Emilee, Ashlyn, Sofee, Jorgee and Addy, niece Michelle (Andres) Galvez and great niece Wren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Elna Hercher.