In loving memory of
Garry L. Gracey
June 26, 1952 - April 24, 2016
Garry L. Gracey will be remembered best for his strong work ethic, love of fishing and fascination for PNW maritime history. He passed away April 24, 2016 after a 20-month battle with a glioblastoma brain tumor, he was 63. Garry was the oldest of five siblings, born June 26, 1952 to Ronald and Lola Gracey of West Seattle. Garry graduated from West Seattle High School in 1970. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity at the University of Washington, where he earned a degree in civil engineering. During the summers of Garry's college years, he worked for Boyer Halvorsen Towing and Foss Tug Lines, traveling to Alaska many times. Garry reflected often on those years with joy, swooning over paintings of old tug boats.
His love for the water stemmed from the fun and memories he had on his families Chris-Craft boat. He learned to fish and water ski and often spent his free time on the water enjoying the landscape of old growth trees from the water. He often remarked how he wished he lived a hundred years ago when life was simpler, the fish were bountiful, and the forests were thick. His fascination with the history of this period continued on to the end of his life. He collected antique photographs, letters and various records on Port Gamble and its mill.
He worked as a construction manager for most of his life. In the 1990s and early 2000s he built all of the new restaurants for McDonald's and then Wendy's in the Pacific Northwest. He also managed the construction of Boeing's Spares Distribution Center, a large facility. After the economic down turn, he found work at Boeing in finance and contracts, where he was employed until his illness.
He grew up attending church at Westside Presbyterian in West Seattle with his family, and later in life occasionally visited University Presbyterian with his family. He professed his faith in Jesus, and shared with his family that he felt confident that he was going to heaven to be with Jesus and be reunited with his father, Ron.
Garry is proceeded in death by his father and step-sister, Gail Jorgensen. He is survived by his children, Daniel and Jenna, their mother Gwen, daughter-in-law Celeste, and grandchildren Mark and James. Garry is also survived by his mother, and siblings Greg, Glenn, Gordy and Gwenn Thomas.
Remembrances can be made in his name to the Alvord Brain Tumor Center, University of WA 1959 NE Pacific St. Box 356125, Seattle, WA 98195.
Service:
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, May 1st at 3:00 PM in Edmonds. It will be hosted in the Charter Club House of the Point Edwards condo community. The address is 85 Pine St, Edmonds WA 98020. The Club House is the first building on the right as you enter the community on Pine St. Light refreshments will be served following the service.