Gary Adkins

Gary D. Adkins, known to some of his longtime friends as “Clyde,” passed away on October 14, 2026, at the age of 86. Gary was born in Bremerton, WA, on June 14, 1940, to Forrest and Esther Adkins. He grew up in Port Orchard and attended South Kitsap High School. There, he played football and was voted “Best Personality.” Shortly after graduating in 1958, he married Patricia (née Purdy) Ormiston and joined the U.S. Army, where he attained the rank of corporal. Gary served at Rhein-Main Air Base near Frankfurt, West Germany. His family, including baby Kristy, joined him in Mörfelden, Germany. After returning to the United States, Gary attended university and earned a bachelor’s degree in English. He and Patricia welcomed their son, Eric. Gary went on to teach English and eventually began a career selling pharmaceuticals. Gary later married Emily Harstad, and together they had a daughter, Greta. In 1978, he met and married Teresa “Terri” (née Hill). Gary and Terri shared nearly 49 years of marriage and built a life together that took them from the Pacific Northwest to Southern California and eventually back to Washington. During the mid-to-late 1970s, Gary worked in the timber industry on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. After the family moved to Southern California, he began a successful career as a veterinary pharmaceutical sales representative with Schering-Plough Animal Health. A lifelong animal lover, especially fond of dogs, Gary found this work especially rewarding. It brought him into daily contact with veterinarians, their staff, and—much to his delight—countless dogs. He received numerous awards and commendations throughout his career, including regional Salesman of the Year honors at least twice. He was especially recognized for mastering the medical science behind the products he represented and communicating that knowledge clearly and effectively. At age 65, Gary underwent five-way coronary bypass surgery, followed by a lengthy period of cardiac rehabilitation that ultimately brought his pharmaceutical career to a close. Yet this unexpected change opened the door to what would become his favorite job. Gary was hired by Capri Heart & Lung Institute to lead exercise classes, a role that brought him great satisfaction. He especially enjoyed getting to know the people who attended his classes and hearing their stories. Among those he particularly treasured were descendants of the Norwegian families who helped settle Poulsbo, Washington, and veterans whose remarkable experiences included service during World War II. The opportunity to connect with people from so many walks of life made this chapter of Gary’s working life especially meaningful. Gary grew up and was confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Port Orchard, Washington. He loved Jesus and fondly remembered Reverend Moen’s thick Norwegian accent as he sang hymns. In early 2022, Gary was received into the Orthodox Christian faith, joining Terri, who had been received in 2019. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Forrest Adkins; his mother, Esther Hilfrieda (Peterson) Jessup; his step-father Fred Jessup; his brother, Ronald Adkins; his sister, Lorraine (Adkins) Harmon; his son-in-law Gary Bandy; and his former wives, Patricia Ormiston and Emily Adkins. Gary is survived by his wife, Teresa “Terri” (née Hill), his seven children: Kristy Davis (husband Don), Eric Adkins, Greta Bandy, Jennifer Engstrom (husband Tom), Garret Adkins (wife Jennifer), Ron Adkins (wife Shavauni), and Ken Adkins (wife Jennifer). He is also survived by his step-sister Elizabeth Cottrell, 17 beloved grandchildren: Karl Bailey, Sarah Bailey, Emelia Bandy, Beatrice Bandy, Daniel Adkins, Eve Engstrom, Israel Engstrom, Phoebe Engstrom, Shepherd Engstrom, Seraph Adkins, Phoenix Adkins, Levi Adkins, Odin Adkins, Marceline Adkins, Aurelia Adkins, Elentari Adkins, and Forest Adkins; and many dear nieces and nephews.