Gerald Franklin Fickes

The second oldest of three, Gerald, affectionately known as “Gerry,” was born on Nov. 17, 1940, in Okanogan, Washington, to Frank and Elsie Fickes. Gerald was a 1959 Okanogan High School graduate. He excelled on the Okanogan Bulldogs football team.

He attended Wenatchee Valley College and Western Washington University, then began his career in January 1966 in Boeing’s aerospace division on the military side of material acquisitions. He retired from Boeing in 2000 after 34 years.

Not long after starting at Boeing, he met Katherine “Kay” Muir Burningham. She worked in Boeing’s aerospace division on the domestic side of material acquisitions. Gerald was very smitten with Kay, at first unable to find the courage to ask her out. But soon, he did. Their first date was seeing the Mamas and the Papas perform at Seattle Center. They soon wed on May 24, 1969, and made their home in Kent, Washington.

Over 37 happy years, the two enjoyed traveling, often visiting Kay’s favorite place, Hawaii; attending sports games; and playing golf together, especially while visiting their golf resort condo in Mesa, Arizona.

Kay passed away in July 2006. Gerald was heartbroken, but with the love and support from his family and friends, he was able to heal. He moved to Timber Ridge at Talus in Issaquah in January 2017. He made many friends there. He continued playing golf, traveling, and attending Seattle Seahawks games. Gerald was a Seahawks season ticket holder since 1975. He attended every Seahawks Super Bowl game.

Gerald, “Gerry,” was authentic, personable, humble, and generous. He was honest and true and a good human being. All who met him and knew him will miss him dearly.

He is survived by many friends and extended family, including sisters- and brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Larry Gustin; his wife, Kay; his sister, Joan Gustin; his nephew, Don Gustin; and his brother, John Marshall Fickes.

A Celebration of Life will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at Evergreen Washelli, 11111 Aurora Avenue North, in Seattle, followed by an interment at 1 p.m. at Holyrood Cemetery in Shoreline.