Marjory Kroon (Homan)

Gary was my classmate from second grade at the old Woodinville Grade School, then at Cottage Lake Elementary.  From Cottage Lake Elementary we entered W.A. Anderson then graduated from Bothell High School, class of 1965.  Always, and I repeat always, Gary was so quiet but also so kind.  He always greeted me when I got on the early morning bus and made sure he said so long when he got off the bus at school or when we returned home at the end of the day.  We both came from the average American home where  we had very little when it came to "stuff" but our parents  worked hard to provide for us and encouraged us to do well in school.   When I was elected to be a Student Body Officer for the 1964-65 school year Gary made a point to stop by my locker  and to say he had voted for me and was proud that someone from Woodinville had been elected!  Before I could finish thanking Gary he turned and waved goodbye as he said, "see you on the bus." 

 Having last names that started with the letter "K" we were often on the same spelling team, or math challenge/contest or in alphabetical order  to get our Polio Shots.  One time our entire school was loading up on the buses in alphabetical order for a drill at some camp where we would "escape the atomic bomb fallout" and Terry Fragner was not in "alphabetical order"  -  Mr. Brizon was fit to be tied! Just as we were trying to load up for the "drill" the phone rang on Mr. Brizon's desk and Mr. Brizon said to Terry:   "Terry if you can answer the question the person on the phone will treat the entire class to icecream  cones." ( Now keep in mind an icecream cone back then was something special.)  "Ok, Terry here is the question:  Who is buried in Grant's grave?"   When the answer was not given we were all hurried out to the waiting  buses and of course  so disappointed that we did not win icecream cones!   Gary and I were sitting together in the "K" row and  with. heavy hearts - that icecream would have been awesome.  Gary leaned over to me and in his quiet voice said:  "Now that is one question I wish Mr. Brizon would have asked me - I even put my hand up!"   We did get icecream that day.  Out at the "survial camp" we were all treated to dixie cups - the half orange and vanilla!   Gary and I giggled all the way to the camp and back as the entire class made sure Terry knew who was buried in Grant's Grave.

Goodbye Gary - I am sure there are icecream cones in Heaven . . .  see you in the "K" row....see you on the bus. . . Marjory Kroon

Laura Munson (Reinstatler)

Thank you, Margie. What a lovely tribute to Gary. I didn't have any classes with him in jr. high or high school, and my impression was that he was very quiet and shy. I'm glad to know he was a nice person and am sad at his passing. It's hard to see our class lose a member; we lose a little history with every passing.  

Marylou Waterman

Hi Marji,   

What a great story about Gary Keller. I didn't know him personally but could tell her was a very shy and kind person. Your story brought tears to my eyes!  Marylou

Judy Miller (Ho Ching)

I loved hearing about Gary.  I remember him, but didn't really know him. It is always sad to lose another classmate ... we've lost too many already.