Gary Richard Gimel

Gary passed away peacefully Christmas Eve with His wife and son by his side. He fought a courageous battle against cancer with his usual calm, accepting approach to life. He never felt sorry for himself or complained. Born in Tacoma, Washington, his family moved to Rosedale near Gig Harbor when Gary was young. His childhood was spent in and around the picturesque town of Gig Harbor where he made lifelong friendships and wonderful memories.

In 1961 Gary graduated from Peninsula High School. Many of his classmates from school remained lifelong friends. He never missed a reunion. He attended 2 years at Olympic Junior College where he learned to play pinochle with his friends. He worked for a short time at Boeing before starting as a driver for Pacific Air Freight, which later became Airborne Express. There, he dedicated 35 years and one day of service. He retired in 2002 as Cartage Manager. Gary was a very hard worker. He was often on call on weekends and worked many holidays to be sure customers got their packages. Whatever he did, he gave it his all.

Family was the most important part of Gary’s life. He is survived by His loving wife of 51 years, Marlin Gimel; His son Kelly Gimel (Sarah); 8 year old grandchildren Harper Gimel and Mackson Gimel; his brother Jim Hommel (Joani); and several sisters-in-law,  brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Walter (Kelly) Gimel and Avis McCrary Gimel and brother Bob Hommel (Nydia).

Gary’s passion for boating started early when his family lived on the water in Rosedale. When he was around 12, he was tearing across the water on a small hydroplane. During high school he worked on The Victory, a fishing boat from Gig Harbor that fished for salmon in the San Juans. He loved going to hydroplane races in The Tri-Cities and Seattle. Over the years he bought 2 Sea Ray ski boats and kept them each for over 20 years. He meticulously maintained his boats, cars, yards and cabin. We joked that if anyone had a dirty car, they should park it in front of his house and Gary would wash it. He couldn’t stand to see a dirty vehicle.

The family cabin on Case Inlet was Gary’s favorite place to be. He loved raising Kelly there together with great friends and their kids. Now our grandchildren are keeping up the tradition of marshmallow roasting, boat rides and floating on the water on inner tubes.

Gary was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He always put family and friends first. He was a very caring guy who was the first to offer to help others but didn’t want to ask for help himself. He never missed going to a funeral even if he hadn’t seen the person in years. He was very intelligent, always inventing gadgets to make doing chores easier, like cleaning the gutters. He had a great sense of humor (very necessary for staying married 51 years! ) and a devilish grin. He never wanted to be the center of attention and would be embarrassed at these flattering words. He was just the best person and we will miss him forever! Please remember him with a smile!

Gary didn’t want a service. Please don’t send flowers. If you want to make a donation to a charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is one Gary liked, but don’t feel obligated.

- Care Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home -