Gail William Herrmann

A great man was embraced by Angels and gently carried into Heaven to be with his Lord, on February 15, 2024. Gail believed in Eternal Life, so we take great comfort and solace in knowing that he’s in loving arms and resting in peace with family and friends that have gone before him. Gail lived his life with virtue, kindness, humility, and always with his fun sense of humor. He was a devoted husband to Barbara, for 70 years of marriage, and the very best of Dads, to Debbie and Steve.

Gail was born in Seattle on May 29th, 1927, and spent his childhood in an original Wallingford walk up, with his mom Bertha, brother Bob, and sister Marjorie, while his own Dad had to be in British Columbia for work, a good part of the time. These were Depression years, but they were a close family, and Gail was clever and industrious enough, to always have had candy in his pocket as a boy! A bit of a mischief maker, his brother Bob, encouraged Gail to join the Army, where he was flown to Korea and learned the skills of a medic, but where he mostly enjoyed playing his drums for officer parties, and various base dances. He finished school on return from Korea, and was hired as an accountant and credit manager by his lifelong friend, Al Flournoy, at Seattle Diesel Oil Company on Eastlake. Gail so loved his company and friends there, as it evolved to Genesee Fuel and Heating , that after his retirement he went back to work 2 days a week until he was 93, for Don Clark and his son, Steve.

One of Gail’s greatest joys and passions, was his drumming. He truly love the Big Swing era and jazz sounds of his time, and continued drumming his whole life. Indeed his last “performance” was part of a “show and tell” at his assisted living community. He was well received by the residents that day, and played, at 95 years old, as if no time had passed. Gail played in his early years with the Seattle Bumps Blackwell Band, various other wonderful musicians including Ray Charles and Quincy Jones, then settled into many years with the Max Pillar Band, recording and performing at Seattle venues, eventually becoming the house band at the old Parker’s Ballroom on Aurora Ave. North. He also enjoyed his time with the Sentimental Gentlemen, as time went by.

Gail met Barbara on a blind date set up at one of his band jobs, and before long, it was clear that they were to become soulmates. They married on May 9, 1953, then along came Debbie and Steve, with fun and memories that grew year by year. The family enjoyed road and train trips to California, Disneyland and Montana to see family and friends, and in 1963, bought the beloved beach property on the Kitsap Peninsula. There were years of great joy, clamming, agate hunting, building forts and enjoying evenings around the campfire. To this day, it is a place of peace and endless memories. Gail and Barbara also spent years traveling to Germany, Hong Kong, Thailand, China, The Panama Canal, but they looked most forward to their yearly April visits to Hawaii and the Outrigger Hotel at the Beach, where they made and met friends there, year after year. It was always a special time.

Gail’s lifelong legacy is impossible to capture in a few paragraphs. He is a man so well loved, and who loved life so fully himself. His family, friends and love of God, were his ultimate treasures in his rich and long life. Our hearts are heavy with his loss, but we also know he will remain in our hearts for eternity.

Gail leaves behind his loving wife Barbara, Daughter Debbie, Son Steve (and lovely Lisa), grandson’s Zachary and Owen and great granddaughter Roe, plus many extended family members and friends. Gail loved a good joke and funny story, so in his memory, enjoy a favorite Gary Larson cartoon with him!

A memorial service and reception will be held on March 22, 2024, at 12:00 noon, at Acacia Memorial Park and Funeral Home 14951 Bothell Way NE, Seattle, WA 98155. You are invited to also sign Gail’s online guest book at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/11678311.

Remembrances in Gail’s name may be made to Evergreen Hospice 12040 NE 128th St, Kirkland, WA 98034, of whom Rich’s, Stephanie’s and Kevin’s respectful kindness was invaluable, University Presbyterian Church, his decades long church family, or to Union Gospel Mission, an organization dear to his heart.

Thank you as ever to Laurel Cove Community for keeping Gail in your loving care.