Gary Shirley Obituary

Sept. 10, 1946 – Sept. 7, 2024
Gary Lee Shirley, the eldest of four born to Gerald and Gladys Shirley, came into the world on Sept. 10, 1946. He spent his early years in Tacoma, Washington, where his entrepreneurial spirit showed early on - he was dedicated to his paper route and earned the nickname "Scratch" for always saving his money.
In 1964, at just 18, Gary followed two of his friends to Fairbanks, Alaska: his mom thought he was just off camping with the boys. A spontaneous trip to visit Mike Michel became the start of a lifelong connection to Fairbanks. Gary helped Mike build the Airview, now known as the Golden North. He took on various jobs around town, from working with the Laborers Union, to many years at the Feed and Fuel with Big Jimmy O'Conner, to bartending at "The Switz". That bartending job led to many friendships and, eventually, owning several bars, two of the most well known being The Klondike and The Castle. The Castle was special to Gary, as he had tended bar at the Switzerland for years before becoming its owner. To this day, Gary is still known as Klondike Gary to many!!
While working on The Alaska Pipeline, he saved every penny to buy materials, one board at a time. His hard work resulted in what is now the halfway house in Ester. Gary's dream of owning a hotel eventually became a reality when he had the opportunity to buy The Klondike Hotel.
In 1983, Gary met the love of his life, Kathy, and together they traveled the world. Whether they were scuba diving in Hawaii, taking cruises, or celebrating annual birthday trips at The Golden Nugget in Vegas, they enjoyed life. Gary loved to recount their trip to Vietnam, but perhaps his favorite memories were sitting at the kitchen counter with a Miller Lite in hand, while Kathy prepared their nightly dinners.
Gary's retirement years were spent in St Pete Beach, Florida, where he loved to golf and walk Sunset Beach. On the coarse, he was known for his golfing mantra, "Don't belittle down the middle." He also enjoyed road trips on his Harley and attended numerous Datona Beach Bike Weeks.
Gary also loved to fish. His son-n-law Matt says that is because he caught a king salmon on his first cast on their first trip! Gary called the shack they stayed at on the Gulkana River the "Alaska Hilton!"
Gary is survived by his best friend/wife, Kathy; his children, Holly, Kelli, John and Mike; and his grandchildren, Oakland, Sunny, Khloe, Mataya Lee, Kimmie, and Taylor; great-grandchildren, King, Maui and Mila; three younger sisters, Kathi, Debbie, and Nancy; as well as many other family members and Friends. Grandpa Gary was affectionately known as "Poppy."
Gary is remembered for his infectious smile, his hearty laugh, and his love for life. If you knew Gary you loved him! And if you knew Gary - you know he loved his Miller Lite, "How do they make it so cheap and taste so good?"
Please join us in celebrating Gary's life at 4 p.m. on July 1, 2025, at Ivory Jacks in Fairbanks, Alaska.