Gary L. Troyer

Our beloved husband, son, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Gary Troyer went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, November 19, 2014.  He was a Nuclear Chemist and Computer Scientist.

Gary was born in Walla Walla, Wa. on January 18, 1946 to Melvin and Helen E. Troyer.  His elementary education was in College Place.  He graduated from Walla Walla High School.  He earned a BS degree in Chemistry from the University of Idaho in 1968, and a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Washington State University in 1976.

He married Kristeen A. Keck on September 7, 1968. 

Beginning in 1968, he began his career at Hanford with ARHCO as an Analytical Chemist for nuclear fuels reprocessing laboratory. In 1975, he transferred as a Senior Information Systems Analyst to Atlantic Richfield Co. in Harvey, Illinois.  In 1979 he became a Fellow Scientist with CH2M Hill in Richland, Wa, developing automated methods for nuclear measurements and process monitoring systems, and developing a field data capture system.  He became “semi-retired” in 2005.

Between 2002 and 2005, he was a short-term Senior Lecturer, making annual trips from the Tri Cities, in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Kenya Methodist University, Meru, Kenya.  In 2006-2007 he continued as Senior Lecturer for the entire year while he taught and helped design the new science and math building.  During his time there, he developed and presented courses in Computer Security, Distributed Computing, Microcontroller Programming, Database Management, Network Hardware Configuration, Automata and Formal Languages, Object Oriented Systems, Internet and Applications, Network Administration, and Software Engineering.

He was also an Adjunct Instructor in special topics in chemistry at Washington State University here in the Tri Cities.

During 2005-2006 he was a part-time consultant for Advanced Technologies and Laboratories in Richland, Wa., providing a feasibility study and business plan for implementing a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

During 2008, he provided consulting and procedure development for initial operations of the Advanced Medical Isotopes Corporation linear accelerator for the production of medical isotopes.

Beginning in 2008 and up until his passing, he was a consultant for Columbia Basin Consulting Group in Kennewick, Wa. in the areas of chemistry, health physics, business computing, and project planning for advanced nuclear reactor technology.  He also provided consultation services for the R. J. Lee Group in Pasco, Wa.

Throughout his career, he authored numerous papers and publications.

Gary was extremely active outside of his professional life as well.  He held memberships in the American Nuclear Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Health Physics Society, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.  He was past Chair of the Eastern Washington Section, ANS, and was a current member of the Board of Directors.  He was Vice-Chair and Public Relations Chair of the Pasco-Kennewick Rotary Club.  He was current Chairman of Citizens for Medical Isotopes, and was an outspoken advocate for a strong medical isotope program in the US. 

Gary was also very active in the Blue Mountain Council, Boy Scouts of America.  He was on the Board of Directors, was past Council Commissioner, and had organized several Merit Badge Weekends for Scouts wanting to earn their Nuclear Technology Merit Badge.  He holds the Scouting Silver Beaver Award. 

He has served as a Board of Directors member of the Columbia Basin Badger Club.  He was on the Advisory Board of the Washington Policy Center, Environmental Section.

Gary worked for Habitat for Humanity over a span of twenty years, helping to build houses in the Tri Cities and in New Zealand. 

Gary was owner and principal, along with his wife Kris, of K and G Industries, a small consulting firm in nuclear and computer sciences.

Gary absolutely epitomized a strong work ethic and selfless dedication to the service of others.  He loved solving problems and mentoring young people, including the Pasco School District Enterprise Week as company advisor, and Junior Achievement, teaching about the community and helping with fundraising. He loved encouraging others wherever he was.  He sponsored Little League teams for twenty years.  He spent a great deal of time helping his grandchildren with their various projects.

Gary was predeceased by his father, Melvin.

Gary is survived by his wife Kris; his mother Helen of Walla Walla; children Tracy (Bob McCurdy) Greene, Tony, and Steven (Judy Mellott).  Grandchildren are Jasmine, Aspen, Jonathon, Trenton, Jade, Chloe Irene, Jillian, and Rob (Angel).  Great Grandchildren are Aleigh, Chloe Sue, Taliesen, and William.