Throughout Warm Beach Camp’s history, certain individuals have come along who perfectly encapsulate what it is to be a servant of Christ. Gary Kocher was one of those people. He dedicated his life to humbly glorifying God, serving others, and diligently carrying out the work that was entrusted to him. Let us now revisit the impact that Gary has had on Warm Beach Camp (WBC).

Gary Kocher was a volunteer youth leader in the Pacific Northwest Conference of the Free Methodist Church. In those days, there was a youth organization within the conference named “FMY,” standing for “Free Methodist Youth” (pretty fancy name – smiles). As part of volunteer leadership, Gary worked with Bob McDowell to organize youth camps and events, specifically for FMY high school students. The Pacific Northwest Conference included British Columbia at this time in its history. Gary helped put together youth camps in British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. From this vast background in planning and facilitating youth camps, Gary became Warm Beach Camp’s first paid Program Director to lead summer youth camps in June 1974.

For the remainder of the year, Gary’s publishing and printing skills came to the forefront. He and Bob McDowell established the Warm Beach Camp printshop. This little shop, complete with a film lab (located in the basement of Cedar Lodge -where the walk-in cooler is now), was printing and binding all the Warm Beach Camp publications. This print shop also served other ministries across the Pacific Northwest.

During these early years, Gary mentored a group of junior high and high school staff by being present in their lives with the message of Christ. He knew how to bring fun and faith together in a way that was compelling. Gary stepped away from Warm Beach Camp for a few years, doing a combination of youth ministry work and printing. When he returned to WBC, he was just in time to be part of developing the WANG network computer system. He also took a real interest in the work of Development and newsletters. While Gary continued coordinating most of the publications, he helped launch an annual fund-giving program called the “Associates” (now known as Partners in Ministry).

When I became the Executive Director in 1995, he and I went around Washington state on an “Associates Tour” participating in over 20 living room gatherings. We would share the story of all God was doing and ask people to consider supporting the ministry. Lifelong friendships continue to this day from those living room gatherings.

As the ministry grew, Nancy Nelson joined the Development team to help lead a major capital campaign. Nancy and Gary became an unstoppable force, raising up opportunities for people to support the ministry. Gary helped with the transition of leadership in Development from Nancy Nelson to Jessica Wilson. Gary’s extensive knowledge, support, and faithful acts of service were invaluable during this time.

Throughout his time at Camp, one of Gary’s favorite roles was being the voice of Joyland Concert Hall during The Lights of Christmas. Gary loved the combination of doing sound for all the concerts while simultaneously being the MC Voice of Joyland. Being a part of the larger Warm Beach community was also important to him, and he joyfully served in various roles at Warm Beach Free Methodist Church, ranging from sound to bookkeeping.

In his later years, Gary experienced kidney failure and spent most of his time on dialysis. He retired in 2020. For nearly 50 years, Gary was quietly faithful, using his gifts and talents to glorify God and bless every single person who crossed his path.

As Gary prepared to go home to be with Jesus, he communicated his love and gratitude for all the people who invested in his life. He was so grateful for all the opportunities God had given him. I, too, am thankful for the impact Gary had on so many of us. We are the better for it.

With gratitude in Christ,

– Ed McDowell, CEO
Warm Beach Camp Ministries