Gary Alan Spanovich

1948 ~ 2025

Gary grew up in a Polish multi-generational household and cherished his grandparents, who always ensured he had plenty to eat. He fondly remembered mother and grandmother’s Christmas cookies even after 70 years.  After moving to North Miami, Gary made friends, played tennis and football, and formed lasting relationships with people like Sal, Herb, and Alan O. Later, he returned to North Miami with his son Chris, sharing favorite spots like the local alligator burger joint, fan boat rides, and the ocean.

Gary's adventurous spirit led him to earn degrees: BS Quantitative Methods and MS Urban Planning before embarking on a decade of work/travel. He worked in England and Singapore and journeyed through countries like India, Afghanistan, and Italy. One of his most significant experiences was hiking the 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia, which he described as life-changing and spiritual. After his travels, he settled in the Pacific Northwest, where he continued to seek new experiences through home improvement projects.

Gary had an impressive career as a transportation expert, notably working with METRO as a principal transportation planner and later as the Economic Planning director for Clackamas County. His contributions included overseeing impactful projects such as allocating $5 million to TSM projects, developing the first regional transportation plan for METRO, and working on significant ventures like the Port of Portland and Portland International Airport. Gary's expertise extended to humanitarian transportation projects, earning him widespread respect and recognition.

Gary's journey from a secular life to a deeply spiritual one was profoundly personal and transformative. Raised in a Catholic household, he gradually drifted away from the church over the years. However, his quest for spiritual meaning began with studying shamanism under the guidance of Michael Harner and Raymond Hoefer of the Walker River Paiute Tribe. This period of exploration and meditation in the desert helped him reconnect with God in a deeply meaningful way. Gary described this experience as receiving a "life preserver" during a moment of deep meditation, which guided him back to his faith. This spiritual awakening brought him back to the Catholic church, where he began to seek divine guidance daily. During his later years, Gary's commitment to his spiritual path became a cornerstone of his life. He meditated every morning, listening to the "still small voice" of God, which directed his actions and mission. Reflecting on his life, Gary expressed deep gratitude for the rich experiences and the divine guidance that shaped his journey, making him feel eternally blessed and fulfilled.

Gary's love of nature led him on ocean kayaking trips, including Baja California, where he admired whales breaching near his kayak and once encountered a great white shark that followed him briefly. His adventures inspired a lifelong dedication to educating for peace and exploring the outdoors, such as climbing Mt. Hood and Mt. Rainier.

In 1995, Gary had a son named Chris. From a young age, Gary instilled a deep love of the outdoors in Chris. When Chris was one year old, Gary separated from his wife, Christy. For the next 20 years, Chris and Gary embarked on many adventures together, filled with love and laughter.  Gary often took Chris to the Oregon Coast, where they would ocean kayak, fly kites, and feast on fresh crab, oysters, and fish. Their adventures extended beyond the ocean; they traveled all over Oregon, Washington, Canada, and Nevada. On one memorable trip, Gary and Chris slept in sleeping bags in the desert, gazing at the stars. As Gary's body aged, they transitioned to staying at Kah-Nee-Ta, the Warm Springs Tribe's hot spring paradise in the desert, which had a water park for Chris to enjoy and lounge chairs for Gary to relax in. This transition was necessary as Gary's back began to ache after years of camping and sleeping on the ground.

Gary shared his religious and spiritual experiences with Chris, exposing him to shamanism, Buddhism, Christianity, and other religions. Just like a practicing Catholic takes their family to church every Sunday, Gary took Chris to Native American ceremonies, Buddhist ceremonies, and church. Gary believed in interfaith dialogue and connecting different religions. Often, 12-15 Tibetan monks would visit Gary’s house in Canby, sharing prayers, meals, and laughter. These visits were always fun for Chris, who loved listening to their stories and enjoying their humble company.Gary would take the monks to visit various Christian churches, describing the tours as “wonderful, they cooked the best food, and we prayed each evening for world peace.”

Prayers for world peace were important to Gary, and he encouraged everyone to take time each day to pray for it. This mission of promoting peace was deeply ingrained in Gary’s core and was always carried out through meditation and listening to the "still small voice" within. Gary taught Chris the invaluable skill of meditation, which Chris initially saw as an opportunity to nap but later appreciated for its profound impact on his understanding of the world.

Gary also immersed Chris in Native American ceremonies, imparting the teachings of peace found in each religion. He emphasized the importance of indigenous and Native American teachings, noting, “We must allow ourselves to be influenced by indigenous and Native American teachings; we have much to learn as a modern society that often has lost touch with our natural world.”

Gary collaborated with prominent Native American leaders to assist in the restoration of the Ghost Dance, which Wovoka referred to as the Father Dance, a dance given by the Father in Heaven. In 2006, Gary took part in the first Ghost Dance on the Walker River Paiute Reservation and described the experience as "beautiful." He later clarified that Wovoka always called this Dance the Father Dance or the Friendship Dance, as its purpose was to unite people and promote peace and unity.

Gary's son Chris shared many adventures with him, exploring the outdoors and engaging in various religious practices. From kayaking on the Oregon Coast to participating in Native American, Buddhist, and Christian ceremonies, Chris was immersed in a diverse spiritual and cultural upbringing. Gary taught Chris the importance of interfaith dialogue and peace, exposing him to meditation and the teachings of different religions. This deep bond continued as Chris grew up, maintaining a close relationship with his father.

The Wholistic Peace Institute (WPI) was founded by Gary in 1999 in his home in Canby, Oregon. The idea emerged from a lunch meeting discussing the Dalai Lama's visit. Inspired by his meditation practice, Gary proposed a conference on achieving world peace by inviting Nobel Peace Laureates. This idea was supported by religious leaders and colleagues. The first conference took place at Portland State University in May 2001, featuring several Nobel Peace Laureates. The (WPI)  grew by promoting the wisdom of these laureates and advocating for world peace.

Between 1990 and 2005, Gary gradually shifted his focus from transportation work to dedicating himself fully to the Wholistic Peace Institute. His humility and simplicity were evident in his lifestyle choices. While many of his contemporaries pursued material wealth, purchasing vacation homes and saving for lavish retirements, Gary chose a different path. He gave up his role as transportation lead at Clackamas County to follow the "still small voice" and commit his remaining days to working for peace through the Wholistic Peace Institute. Gary's frugal lifestyle, driven by his strong spiritual convictions, focused on the essentials—his mission of peace and his son Chris.

After his first world peace conference in 2001, which featured prominent figures such as the Dalai Lama, Adolfo Perez Esquivel, Betty Williams, Lech Walesa, Dr. William Schulz of Amnesty, and Dr. Robert Musil of Physicians for Social Responsibility, Gary's determination to continue working towards world peace was solidified. Witnessing the profound impact of bringing together these eminent laureates and activists, Gary was inspired by their shared commitment to peace and justice. This experience deepened his conviction that fostering dialogue and cooperation among diverse groups was essential for achieving lasting peace. He believed that every individual, regardless of age, had the potential to be a peacemaker and that children needed early exposure to peace-making principles to shape a more harmonious future.

In 2004, Gary hosted various events through the Wholistic Peace Institute, including a peace concert with Aaron Meyer violinist and Katherine Jun soloist at Schnitzer Concert Hall and two Student Peace Summits with Nobel Peace Laureates. He sent 600 schools a peace video and curriculum.

In 2005, WPI featured PSR's Executive Director Dr. Robert Musil, highlighting PSR's peace-promoting initiatives. WPI worked on a peace curriculum to reduce school violence and create safer environments for vulnerable minorities. Gary coordinated multiple Student Peace Summits and interfaith dialogues, including the Dalai Lama's Youth Summit with 8,000 students.

Gary was recognized for his efforts, speaking at the World Summit on Peace in Seoul and signing an MOU with Pyongyang University of Science and Technology during a North Korea peace mission. Endorsed by Sr. Cecilia Rogers, he taught peace methods at Marylhurst College and held seminars worldwide.

WPI had offices at Portland State University and Concordia University, hosting peace leaders at several Oregon campuses. Gary continued to bring Nobel Peace Laureates to Oregon, admiring the contributions of President Kim Dae Jung and President F.W. de Klerk in resolving conflicts.

In 2010, Gary and Nancy Olmsted's paths crossed, marking the beginning of a profound relationship. She became the love of his life, and they eventually married in 2013. After returning from North Korea, Gary gave a talk at Portland Rotary; and as he tells it, "...only one person responded to my invitation to conduct a mission to North Korea, it was her," pointing to Nancy with his long finger. Their bond grew stronger with each shared experience. Just as Gary immersed his son Chris in his religious endeavors, he did the same with Nancy. One of their first dates, after months of meditating together, was attending a Maundy Thursday requiem at the United Church of Christ in Vancouver, where Nancy performed in the choral group. Gary found joy in Nancy's musical talents, which were deeply rooted in her family.

Nancy's family had a rich musical heritage, with members actively involved in music leadership across Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Washington. Many of her relatives were known for their performances during Passover and Lent, adding a spiritual and communal dimension to their union. Gary appreciated the sense of joy, healing, and spirit Nancy's family brought into their lives.

Gary and Nancy's relationship was built on trust, shared spiritual journeys, and cherished memories. It was a bond that they treasured deeply, and together, they continued to create loving memories while working for peace throughout their lives.

Nancy became the executive director of the Wholistic Peace Institute in 2015, while Gary took on the role of Board Chairman in 2021. Three significant conflicts researched by the Wholistic Peace Institute (WPI) were the Middle East Israel-Palestinian conflict, the North and South Korean diaspora, and the Ukrainian-Russian war. The end of nuclear arms race and weapons was another goal of the WPI programs one that taught of the atrocities of the atomic bomb.  Together, Gary and Nancy held peace events, interviews, and meditations across Oregon, Atlanta, and Hawaii, bringing Nobel Peace Laureates to educational institutions and communities. Known as The Peace Team, they facilitated connections among diverse groups and worked tirelessly to educate about peace.

Gary never stopped working for peace, holding events in Hawaii two weeks before his passing. He passed away in a unique place, which was the perfect backdrop for the extraordinary life he lived. He was above the ocean, traveling home from his last peace mission. God was so excited to welcome him home that he gave Gary a 40,000-foot boost into heaven. Gary is survived by his son Christopher Michael, and his stepchildren John Bayard and Caryn Elizabeth and his wife Nancy Olmsted Spanovich.

Please visit the guestbook portion of this site and enter a special message or memory. Thank you.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary Alan Spanovich, please visit our floral store.