Gary Ival Gaer, age 69, died on December 7, 2009, with his family and his beloved Springer Spaniels. Gary was born in Billings, Montana, and grew up in Richland, Washington, and Los Angeles, California. He attended Central Washington University and University of Puget Sound School of Law, working full time all the while. He moved to Mount Vernon in 1991 to work at the Skagit County Public Defender's Office as the Chief Criminal Deputy, and was later appointed as the Skagit County Public Defender. He was a brilliant attorney, tireless advocate, and fearless in the courtroom. He leaves many friends in the legal community. Gary is survived by many who adored him: his wife, Susan, his sons Ival Gaer, Brian Gaer, Matthew Richards and Paul Hirshbeel; and grandchildren Jesse Gaer, Colton Gaer, Tasha Richards, and Tyler, Zander and Zoe Hirshbeel. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, David and Jeanie Gaer and Ken and Francis Gaer, and many nieces and nephews. Gary spent much of his life with his dogs, Molly and Toby, who miss him beyond measure. His family likes to think of Gary as walking on the river with his spaniels who went before him and were waiting for him. Gary's wife, Susan, and son, Ival, followed Gary into legal careers. Both agree that they learned more from Gary about the practice of law, and about people, than they learned from law school. Despite the incomphrensible loss, we are so grateful for the many, many years we spent with such a splendid man. Gary read almost everything with rapid and careful analysis, and loved to debate with cheerful enthusiasm. Gary had a keen curiosity, a sharp and whimsical intellect, and a contagious sense of humor. Beloved husband, father, and best friend, he will be sorely missed. A celebration of Gary's life will be held at his favorite place, his home at 920 Nez Perce Drive in Mount Vernon, on December 20, 2009, at 2:00 PM. Dogs will be present...