Gary Lee Lipnickey

Obituary

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Gary Lipnickey, who died peacefully on May 10, 2025, at the age of 75, following a brief and courageous battle with cancer that had spread to his brain.

Gary was born on July 13, 1949, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and raised in North East, PA, alongside his four brothers and two sisters. He graduated from St. Gregory High School in 1967 and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, proudly serving in Montana and Germany.

While stationed in Great Falls, Montana, Gary met the love of his life, Bonnie. They were married for 55 years and raised two sons, Greg and Brad. After a short time living in New York, the couple returned to Montana in 1972, where Gary worked in automotive sales for Bennett Motors and Taylor Auto Max until his retirement in 2015. After retiring, Gary and Bonnie moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where they embraced a quieter life together.

Gary enjoyed basketball, running, and being outdoors—but nothing brought him more joy than time spent with his family. He loved playing driveway basketball with his boys, swimming, coaching, and getting to know their friends. His grandchildren, Fen and Jaxon, brought him immense joy. Nancy, his daughter-in-law, held a special place in his heart—like the daughter he never had. Gary also treasured time with his friends, whether it was playing cards or a day out on the lake. He was a man of kindness, quiet strength, honesty, and loyalty—a good man through and through.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Bonnie; his sons Greg (Nancy) of Issaquah, WA, and Brad of Missoula, MT; his brother Jim (Susan) of Oxford, OH; sister Vickie of Cleveland, OH; sisters-in-law Margaret and Diane Lipnickey and many nieces and nephews.

No public service is planned. Family and friends are invited to remember Gary in their own way. Gary will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

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