Gary Frederick Pearce

Gary was born on October 9, 1933 in Seattle, Washington. He died April 5th from complications following surgery. After his studies at West Seattle High School and Seattle University, Gary served as First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. While stationed at Ft. Riley, KS he met the love of his life, Althea Ramseyer. They moved back to Seattle where they raised their four daughters with unconditional love and support.

Some wondered how he survived with four daughters, but those who knew Gary understood that this was the perfect fit for him. While he never once went to sleep before any of them returned home from a date, he always said he wouldn't have wanted it any other way. He took pride in teaching his girls everything from basic car maintenance to carpentry skills. He even made a point to purchase each of us our own little hammers at the same time we were learning to write our names, so that we could happily pound nails into wood, while he worked on projects around the house.

Gary was a multifaceted man, whose artistic gifts showed themselves in his many hobbies. He loved to cartoon and draw, and his Federal Way neighbors made a point to tell him how much they enjoyed his beautiful landscaping. His taste in music and movies was diverse, enjoying Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire to Tom Waits and Black Sabbath. Whether kicking back with his daughters at his favorite restaurant, Katie Downs in Tacoma, or traveling through Europe with his wife, he had a clear appreciation for "the good life" which he knew he had found in the company of his family.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents F. Vernon and Billy Pearce, and wife of 43 years Althea Pearce. Gary is survived by his four daughters: Hailey Skidmore, Karen Brown, Janice Clark and Jennifer Both, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Gary is remembered as a dedicated provider and family man. His sense of humor will be greatly missed. Gary will be honored with a private family burial. Remembrances may be sent to Evergreen Washelli, Seattle, WA. In lieu of flowers his family asks that donations be made to The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation at www.alzinfo.org .