Gary Dickerson

Gary Dickerson, 87, of Bellingham, Washington, passed away peacefully at home on October 31st, 2026, surrounded by his family. Gary is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirlee; their four children, Kim (Scott), Kevin (Joan), Kelly (Marty), and Kent (Andrea); grandkids Keith, Andy, Emily, Chase, Georgia, and Chandler; great-grandkids Selah, Marceline, and Noah; sister Candi (Randy); and brothers Ron (Chris), Randy (Erica), Greg, and Bud.

Born on August 25, 1939, in Bellingham, Washington, Gary was the son of Jewel Prescott and Jess Dickerson. Fourth generation Bellingham, Gary attended Bellingham Schools and Western Washington University.

Gary met Shirlee, the girl next door, at age 10, they started dating at 16 and then married at 20. Gary and Shirlee enjoyed 66 years married, a relationship based on mutual respect and adoration filled with adventure and founded on laughter. He valued family and friends; time spent playing cards, bowling, and later golfing. His happiest times were spent at the kitchen table playing cribbage with his grandchildren, listening to Shirlee’s stories. He was an avid sports fan and an inaugural season ticket holder of the Seattle Seahawks. Gary regularly kept in touch with his childhood friends, friendships that bridged 80+ years. He valued the annual “cousins” trips and met friends every Friday for “Breakfast Club.”

His career in the grocery business started at sixteen as a box boy with Ennens in Bellingham. After 10 years, Gary was hired by Albertsons as assistant store manager. He moved between stores in the Seattle area, until he and Shirlee moved the family back to Bellingham to manage the new store in south Bellingham

In 1980 Gary left Albertsons to work for local distributor Bell-Rainier. Gary was determined to be his own boss and in July 1984, he purchased the Wine Division of Bell-Rainier and founded Dickerson Distributors, Inc. With humble beginnings, operating with two small box trucks, Gary built the business with sons Kevin and Kent, into the multi-county business of today. Like everything else Gary did, his business was built on relationships and mutual respect. He was widely respected in the industry and by staff, many who have been with the company for 30+ years. Dickerson Distributors had fulfilled his vision with 40+ years.

Gary was a member of the Bellingham Central Lion’s Club and recently was awarded a Lifetime member of the International Lion’s Club.

In his retirement years, Gary enjoyed golfing, fishing, and traveling with Shirlee, brothers Ron and Chris, and lifetime friends Dave and Cheri Schuster and Kent and Gretchen Cronkhite. Their adventures took them throughout the US and to Europe. One of many highlights was a trip to St. Andrews with sons Kevin, Kent, and brother Ron.

Gary was a quiet champion and had time for everyone, generous and fair. He will be lovingly remembered by everyone he touched, and his legacy kept alive through stories told in the Dickerson home.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Check back here for further details.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Whatcom Hospice or the Bellingham Central Lions Club.