Gary Michael Jenkins

April 20, 1944 to May 29, 2011

My Dad’s personality was always very unique to me. He always had a smile, quack or wink for me or any other kid that came along. He had a great sense of humor and had a way of being funny even when he wasn’t funny. One thing that always impressed me about Dad is how he treated other people. He was always glad to see my friends even the ones my Mom didn’t like. He was either a good judge of character or did not judge at all. I think it was the latter.

In his younger years he was quite the woodworker. He enjoyed building boats, one of which was a relatively small hydroplane in comparison to the large horsepower Mercury Motor on the back. Christmas 1980 he decided I needed a place to play with the train set that Santa brought me. He built a bed with a plywood trundle underneath that had my Train on it. Great Christmas!

Growing up on Liberty Bay in Poulsbo he enjoyed water skiing, roller skating and playing drums in his high school band. He had stories of great adventures with great friends. From there he went to UW and met my Mom. They then went to New Mexico where Dad got his Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering. They ended up settling down in Renton, Wa where he worked at Boeing for 34 years before retiring in 2005.

As I have grown and watched his disability progress and watched how he handled it at the various stages, he was truly impressive. I asked him after he retired what kept him going he simply replied “The alternative is unacceptable.” Dad fought gracefully for 42 years against MS . His genuine humorous and determined attitude touched a lot of lives.

Good Show Chief!! I love you!

Dave

Arrangements under the direction of Greenwood Funeral Home, Renton, WA.