Gary Lee Hatley lost his battle with cancer on February 22, 2024, in Coeur d Alene Idaho with his family by his side. He had just turned 69 a few days earlier. Gary was born in Colfax, Washington on February 17th, 1955, to Sherry Roberts Hatley and Clyde Lee Hatley. He attended all years of school in Colfax and graduated from Colfax High School in 1974. Gary was married to Sheri Shaffer Hatley for ten years where they had four children in which he loved very much, Joshua Kent, Charles Mabry, Willem Ira, and Elizabeth Mina Marie. (Me the most.) Gary loved basketball especially the WSU Cougars, where he attended cougar cage camp growing up. Gary also loved coaching his kids in sports. He was a coach for Josh's AAU basketball team all through grade school and junior high. He also was a coach for every one of his boy's little league baseball teams with the White Sox and the Mariners. He also enjoyed riding horses and going to rodeos with Elizabeth. Gary had a strong interest and passion for working in the agriculture industry. He worked at the Steptoe seed plant for many years, and he also helped with harvest on the family farm on Green Hollow. Gary loved hunting and shared many stories about his times in the blue mountains with his friend's elk hunting. Gary taught each of his kids how to hunt at an early age out on the farm. Gary also had a passion for fishing with dad, Clyde. In his later years Gary loved spending time with granddaughters Gracie and Aliyah. They were the light in his eyes. Whether it was side by side rides or going out for milkshakes, he loved those girls very much, and he will always be their "Papa."

He is survived by his three sons Josh Hatley, Charles (Michelle) Hatley, Willem Hatley, and his daughter Elizabeth Nicholas. He also had two grandchildren Gracie Nicholas and Aliyah Hatley. Other survivors include his sisters Trudi (Dick) Abrams, Vicky (John) Sheehan, and brother Craig (Vicki) Hatley. He was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Sherry Hatley in 2021.