Tracy Lee Thiel (65) peacefully passed away in his Grand Coulee, Washington home Monday, January 27, 2020. Tracy entered this world on Thursday, October 28, 1954 into the South Dakota home of Raymond Frederick & L. Grace Sontron-Thiel. Tracy graduated from Colville High School, Colville, Washington in 1973 where he enjoyed art & painting. While well known as the owner/operator of “Tracy’s Glass & Screen” of Grand Coulee, Washington; Tracy had found great enjoyment for the last few years as a Para Professional with the Lake Roosevelt Schools in Coulee Dam, Washington, where he was loved by both the staff and students of all ages.
Until it’s closing in 2019, Tracy was a daily fixture for breakfast and lunch at “Flo’s Café”, once owned by his Aunt Florence “Flo” Storey,. Here Tracy would visit with locals and strangers alike, roll the dice for coffee, discuss area news, fishing, solve world problems and “to no one’s surprise” TALK CARS! One had to only visit with Tracy for a few minutes to know beyond a doubt that Tracy had a passion for cars…particularly “Hudsons” and “Essex’s”. A member of the “Hudson Essex Terraplane Club”, and known across the United States & Canada as an automobile restorer, Tracy was never happier than when he was bringing a classic car back to it’s original glory. Over the years, several of Tracy’s restored vehicles have been on display in museums. One of the lessor known facts about Tracy is that he was a “Movie Star” appearing as an extra in the 1999 film “Snow Falling On Cedars” along with cars Tracy personally owned and restored.
Predeceased by both of his parents; Tracy is survived by his brother & sister-in-law: Byron & Sue Thiel of Essex, Great Britain & their family and his half-sister: Gayanna Gillman.
“A friend and helper to all, Tracy’s big heart is missed”
A Celebration of Tracy’s life will take place at 1:00pm, Saturday, March 14, 2020 in Strate Funeral Home, 329 E. Grand Coulee Ave., Grand Coulee, WA.
Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington is assisting the family with services.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com for Tracy's family.
