WHEREAS, While attending Brewster High School in Brewster, Washington, Gary participated in football, basketball, and track. He and his teammates represented Brewster at the State Championships several years in a row, taking home the first place trophy in 1984. Gary also excelled at track and went to State competitions in track for most of his high school career; and

WHEREAS, Gary loved competing in the Decathlon and continued his track career at Spokane Falls Community College and later at Whitworth College. In 1987, Gary placed 7th at Nationals in track, one place out of being All-American, after improving his high jump from 5'9" to 6'5" and his long jump nearly 2'; and

WHEREAS, Gary met his wife, Deana, while working at the Brewster pool during summer break from college. Gary and Deana married on September 3, 1988, in Twisp, Washington, and made their home in Brewster where Gary worked as a teacher at the Brewster School District for 19 years; and

WHEREAS, Gary and Deana coached the swim team for almost 4 years at the Brewster pool where Gary also served as a lifeguard for 24 years and later served as a lifeguard for the Manson Bay Park for the last 8 years of his life. Manson Bay Park has since been renamed Gary Knowlton Memorial Park; and

WHEREAS, Gary's love of sports continued through his life. He refereed football, volleyball, and basketball in Okanogan County and refereed at State volleyball competitions in 2014 and 2015. During the summer, Gary would put over 6,000 miles on his bike, riding across the state and over the North Cascades Highway; and

WHEREAS, Gary and Deana enjoyed spending time with each other and with their daughters, Kari Lynn Knowlton and Krysta Lee Knowlton. The family went hiking and swimming, watched movies, and took the time to watch the sunset. Family time was important to Gary and Deana and involved games and Gary's mean air guitar. It also involved completely supporting their children in sports, plays, and in life in general and teaching them to always treat others as you would like to be treated, a skill that Gary excelled at; and

WHEREAS, Gary will be fondly remembered for his involvement in the community as a husband, father, educator, youth coach, sports official, and bicyclist. His many activities caused one friend to comment that his life was a daily Decathlon;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize and honor the life of Gary Lee Knowlton; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Deana Knowlton.