In Remembrance of Gary Idleburg…
This month, we at the Growing Home Collective community hold space in remembrance of Gary, whose kindness, talents, generosity, and commitment to serving others touched many people in our community. Kerensa shares this reflection on Gary and the many ways he contributed to GHC and beyond:
Gary showed up with natural joy to connect and share his wisdom and zeal. With his creative and joyful self he was indeed Alisa’s and GHC’s partner in all things kitchen and cooking magic. He was a longtime Judo Master and traveled often to referee at tournaments even out of state. He had a nonprofit, Reclaim, that served incarcerated folks through Shelton prison in their re-entry process. He had connections in Snohomish county, where he used to live and also in Thurston. He was very connected to his church community and I get the sense he’d always lived a life in service to others. I first met him at the Eastside Oly Food Co-Op, maybe in 2017, and would see him there every once in a while. It had been a few years since I saw him and when I was in Federal Way with my family, I saw him at Marlene’s. I re-introduced myself, talked about GHC and that’s how he joined our community.
I heard from Alisa that his sister and family member had been to WA to visit him recently. That feels special. Before he fell, I like to think that Gary’s last hike on Sauk Mtn. brought some brilliant moments of reverence and beauty. He was doing what he loved, with his hiking friends, in nature.
May Gary’s big presence and loving work guide our steps as we grow a community that uplifts all people, like Gary did.
— A Note From Kerensa
We hold Alisa, Gary’s family and loved ones, and all who are grieving his loss in our hearts. May Gary’s spirit of service, joy, and connection continue to live through the community he helped nurture.
Gary's Celebration of Life Service
Saturday, October 31st, 2026 at 1 PM
Quest Church - 1401 NW Leary Way, Seattle, WA 98107
Service and light reception to follow.
