WILMINGTON — Gary H. Koster lived a life defined by love, service, craftsmanship, adventure, and a genuine enjoyment of people.
Born on January 25, 1942, in Freeport, New York, to Mildred and Herman Koster, Gary grew up on Long Island and attended Hofstra University. He proudly served four years in the United States Air Force before beginning a long and accomplished career in the defense industry.
Gary spent much of his career with Texas Instruments Defense/Raytheon and was proud of his work supporting important defense programs, including the JAVELIN Missile. Throughout his career, he was dedicated to supporting our nation’s warfighters and helping bring them home safely to their families. He brought intelligence, dedication, and a strong sense of purpose to his work.
Gary was equally talented with his hands. He could fix just about anything, and if something needed to be built, repaired, or figured out, Gary was the one you wanted around. A gifted wood artist, he created beautiful furniture, charcuterie boards, and countless other pieces. He loved taking an idea and turning it into something real, useful, and beautiful.
Helping others came naturally to Gary. Over the years, he volunteered his time with the American Red Cross, Kids Making It, and the Sheriff’s Department. Whether through his volunteer work or simply helping someone who needed a hand, Gary was generous with his time and talents.
Gary married Kim Clark Koster in Tucson, Arizona, in January 2001. Together they built a life filled with love, friendship, travel, adventure, laughter, and an extraordinary number of wonderful memories. They moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, in 2006 and made it their home.
Gary loved being around people. He enjoyed entertaining, traveling, boating, spending time with friends and family, and sharing life with the dogs he loved through the years. Gary knew how to have FUN. His home was a place where people gathered, laughed, ate well, and made memories.
Gary is survived by his wife, Kim Clark Koster; his daughter, Kimberly Koster; his son, Brad Koster; his mother-in-law, Jan Clark; his sister, Cindy Mack; his nieces and nephews, Jeff and Stephanie Mack and Greg and Casey Mack; and his great-nephews, Cayden, Sam, and Aaron Mack.
He is also survived by Sue and Randy Garcia; Staci and Mark Taylor; Lindsay and Nick Whiteman; Kolton and Hunter Whiteman, who knew and loved him as “Big K”; and Cliff and Juli Goodrum and their family, Lance, Matthew, Greg, and Collin Goodrum.
Gary will be remembered for his generosity, his craftsmanship, his love of people, and the way he embraced life. Most of all, he will be remembered by the people who loved him and whose lives are better because he was part of them.
Family and friends will gather together to celebrate Gary’s life and the many wonderful memories he leaves behind.
