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Gary F. Mann
02/27/1950 — 12/28/2005
From Benton, City, WA, US | Born in Bremerton, Washington
Gary F. Mann
Gary F. Mann, 55, of Benton City, Washington, passed away December 28, 2005 at his home in Benton City. He was born February 27, 1950 in Bremerton, Washington to Gloria Olson and was raised in Port Orchard, Washington. He graduated from South Kitsap High School in 1968 and in 1969 attended Fire Fighters School at Bates Technical School in Tacoma. In 1990 Gary married Christine Cole in Coeur dAlene, Idaho.
He worked for Alaska Marine Transportation System in Juneau, Alaska 1969-1971; then Coast to Coast Hardware 1971-1983 and Bethel Builders 1983-1985, both companies in Port Orchard. In 2005 he retired from South Kitsap School District after 20 years employment. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge in Belfair, Washington.
Gary is survived by his wife Christine Mann of Benton City, WA; step-son Steven Bond of Port Orchard, WA; step-daughter Jeanette Wilson of Reidsville, NC; brothers Alan Mann of Montana, Dave Anderson of Bremerton, WA, and Dan Anderson of Suquamish, WA; sister Susan Nash of Quanault, WA; granddaughter Ashly Phelps of Reidsville, NC; one niece and several cousins.
A celebration of Garys life will be held at 4:30 PM Friday, January 6, 2006 at Olalla Elementary School, 6100 SE Denny Bond Blvd., Olalla, WA.
Gary you always made things fun no matter what it was. I feel truely blessed for having known you. You are very special. Your friend always Linda
You and Chris have given us some really great memories. What a great team you two made. You are a very special person and will be truly missed
Gary you were a very dear friend and co worker, I will truely miss you.
Chris,
I am so sorry for your
loss.
I use to wait on you and Gary in a Grocery Store in PO and I
talked to you at Walgreens just before you left for Eastern Washington.
He is in good hands.
Take care of yourself.
My thoughts are with you.
Cheryl
When we think of Gary we think of his smiling face and infectious laugh. Gary never met a stranger, as he had the special ability that few people have – he made friends wherever he went. He was a member of the Burbank family and we all will miss him dearly. May God bless him and you, Chris. Cindy and Bill
I am only 17 and when i first met Gary i was only about 13 or 14. Gary has always ment a lot to me he was just like another grandfather who was a lot of fun. I always called him popie because i didn’t want to call him Gary, he was more then just Gary. i will never forget the time we all went camping and Gary had a little to drink and then he asked me to dance and so we did around the fireit was a blast. i will always miss him and i only wish i could have said goodbye, but i guess a lot of us did not get that chance so i will say it now. you will always mean a lot to me and you will always be in my heart because of how kind and giving you were i will never forget you never ever…GOODBYE Gary Mann who we all loved and will always love.
My Uncle Gary was an overall great human being. He will be missed by all who knew him, and those who didn’t know him will never know how great of a person he was and will continue to be in my memories…My fondest memories of my uncle would have to be trout, salmon,and geoduck fishing as a young boy and also when I graduated high school he gave me one hundred one dollar bills in a box. He will live on in my memories and I will miss him deeply. I would like to send my deepest sympathy to Chris and Gary’s family, and also to my Aunt Pam and Uncle Larry. Love , Kyle Wallace
Gary was always so positive, happy and so bright the whole room would light up when he entered. I am so blessed to have known him, he touched a special place in so many hearts. You were the best of the best. Chris you were so blessed to have a great life with him, if there is anything I can do please call. We love you
My husband, Kyle, has so many great stories about his Uncle Gary that he was infamous to me before I ever met him. And when I did, he lived up to every tale I had heard about his larger-than-life personality. When we visited a few years ago, Gary made us ‘beer-butt chicken’ a story I’ve told many times! and kept us laughing all night. It was easy to see why Gary was so special to my husband and so many others. He will be sorely missed. My sincerest condolences to Chris and Gary’s whole family. May your many memories bring you comfort.
What a shock to have Gary gone. So many memories of fun times at work,and play. One favorite memory is when Gary put together a bottom fishing trip at Westport. For some of us it was our first time fishing. We were using anchovies for bait. We were all laughing having a great time teasing Steve Bond about all of his fancy gear and not catching anything, while Gary was on the other side of the boat catching everything!
He got a silver salmon, a cabazon, a lingcod and many bass. He had to throw the salmon back, because it wasn’t salmon season, Gary tried his best to convince the skipper to let him keep it to no avail. Just when we were convinced that it was the Norwegian gene pool, one of us saw him bait his hook with THREE anchovies.
We had a raise the best pig contest, conducted under Gary’s expert tutelage, guess who’s pig won! We found that pigs will eat wheat!
Milton Berle said “Laughter is an instant vacation” That is what is was like around Gary, an instant vacation. His passing leaves a vacant spot in our hearts.
Chris, Chuck and I send you our deepest sympathy, and to the rest of the family as well.
I just found out today about Gary’s death. I am so shocked.
I worked with Gary for one school year at Olalla Elementary and found him to be such a nice person – really a nice man. One person said that Gary never met a stranger and I believe that is such an appropriate way to remember Gary.
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of such a fine, fun man.
Gary,I will always remember you as a truly wonderfull person,a fun person to be around and laugh with. I will miss you.
Gary, my brother, I will miss you dearly. You’ve always impressed me with your accomplishments and I admire how outgoing and upbeat you always were. I’ll always remember when you told me, “Danny, you never know what’s gonna happen when you grow old, so you may as will live life for today!” I’m glad that you and Chris did live life because you packed in more fun moments than some people would in ten lifetimes.
I miss you Gary, but will remember forever the fun times we had. Remember when we were kids and you piggybacked me to the movies in P.O. and Eddie threw the hardened sugardaddy through the screen?He ended up pitching for S.K.H.S. Or how about frying oysters on the beach at Uncle Verne’s? That was fun. Or remember when you took me waterskiing and told me that you’d never skied? Then you skied around the lake and never got your hair wet. Sure you’ve never skied! Or the last time I saw you. When we camped with you and Chris at the ocean. From walks on the beach to crab dinner to closing the Green Lantern, it was always a fun time with you. You knew how to live life and that is how I will always remember you. I love you, Gary.
My heart goes out to all of you grieving for the untimely loss of my brother-in-law Gary Mann. When God made Gary he broke the mold because Gary truly was one of a kind. Our world is a better place because of Gary’s presence on earth!!! Gary’s personality was “larger than life” itself!…he was ready for any challenge or adventure and alway there to lend a helping hand. I’d like to share a couple of special memories of mine and Garys which go back many years. Gary taught me how to drive at the age of 15 1/2…..a stick shift no lessnow that’s a challenge! Gary rescued me once from “Blackie” the 600 lb pig who found her way out to the traffic on the road at Creek View Court in Port Orchard….part of Gary’s farming project which I affectionally refer to as “Gary’s funny farm”…a project Gary and Farmer Bill invented. Gary..over the years had many projects, as most of you will know. His friendly “let me give you a hand with that” will be sadly missed by all who knew him!! Gary,
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind always be at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall softly on your fields,
and until we meet again:
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
Gary, We will love you and miss you always!!! Your sister-in-law,
Julina Wallace
I want to express my sadness at Gary’s death. I worked with him at Olalla Elementary for 3 years. He
was always so upbeat and helpful. I will never forget the bug infestation in the portable and Gary’s patience with us – he would clean the ceiling every night.
I know his loss will leave such a giant hole in the lives of his loved ones. I will not forget him.
I want to express my deepest sympathy to my Uncle Gary’s family. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him!!! At my high school graduation, Uncle Gary and Aunt Chris came to Wisconsin for a visit. We had such a wonderful time, and a memory which will forever remain as one special time for me. Uncle Gary’s humor and positive attitude about people and life will remain with me forever!
Belinda Wallace
Gary you always made things fun no matter what it was. I feel truely blessed for having known you. You are very special. Your friend always Linda
You and Chris have given us some really great memories. What a great team you two made. You are a very special person and will be truly missed
Gary you were a very dear friend and co worker, I will truely miss you.
Chris,
I am so sorry for your
loss.
I use to wait on you and Gary in a Grocery Store in PO and I
talked to you at Walgreens just before you left for Eastern Washington.
He is in good hands.
Take care of yourself.
My thoughts are with you.
Cheryl
When we think of Gary we think of his smiling face and infectious laugh. Gary never met a stranger, as he had the special ability that few people have – he made friends wherever he went. He was a member of the Burbank family and we all will miss him dearly. May God bless him and you, Chris. Cindy and Bill
I am only 17 and when i first met Gary i was only about 13 or 14. Gary has always ment a lot to me he was just like another grandfather who was a lot of fun. I always called him popie because i didn’t want to call him Gary, he was more then just Gary. i will never forget the time we all went camping and Gary had a little to drink and then he asked me to dance and so we did around the fireit was a blast. i will always miss him and i only wish i could have said goodbye, but i guess a lot of us did not get that chance so i will say it now. you will always mean a lot to me and you will always be in my heart because of how kind and giving you were i will never forget you never ever…GOODBYE Gary Mann who we all loved and will always love.
My Uncle Gary was an overall great human being. He will be missed by all who knew him, and those who didn’t know him will never know how great of a person he was and will continue to be in my memories…My fondest memories of my uncle would have to be trout, salmon,and geoduck fishing as a young boy and also when I graduated high school he gave me one hundred one dollar bills in a box. He will live on in my memories and I will miss him deeply. I would like to send my deepest sympathy to Chris and Gary’s family, and also to my Aunt Pam and Uncle Larry. Love , Kyle Wallace
Gary was always so positive, happy and so bright the whole room would light up when he entered. I am so blessed to have known him, he touched a special place in so many hearts. You were the best of the best. Chris you were so blessed to have a great life with him, if there is anything I can do please call. We love you
My husband, Kyle, has so many great stories about his Uncle Gary that he was infamous to me before I ever met him. And when I did, he lived up to every tale I had heard about his larger-than-life personality. When we visited a few years ago, Gary made us ‘beer-butt chicken’ a story I’ve told many times! and kept us laughing all night. It was easy to see why Gary was so special to my husband and so many others. He will be sorely missed. My sincerest condolences to Chris and Gary’s whole family. May your many memories bring you comfort.
What a shock to have Gary gone. So many memories of fun times at work,and play. One favorite memory is when Gary put together a bottom fishing trip at Westport. For some of us it was our first time fishing. We were using anchovies for bait. We were all laughing having a great time teasing Steve Bond about all of his fancy gear and not catching anything, while Gary was on the other side of the boat catching everything!
He got a silver salmon, a cabazon, a lingcod and many bass. He had to throw the salmon back, because it wasn’t salmon season, Gary tried his best to convince the skipper to let him keep it to no avail. Just when we were convinced that it was the Norwegian gene pool, one of us saw him bait his hook with THREE anchovies.
We had a raise the best pig contest, conducted under Gary’s expert tutelage, guess who’s pig won! We found that pigs will eat wheat!
Milton Berle said “Laughter is an instant vacation” That is what is was like around Gary, an instant vacation. His passing leaves a vacant spot in our hearts.
Chris, Chuck and I send you our deepest sympathy, and to the rest of the family as well.
I just found out today about Gary’s death. I am so shocked.
I worked with Gary for one school year at Olalla Elementary and found him to be such a nice person – really a nice man. One person said that Gary never met a stranger and I believe that is such an appropriate way to remember Gary.
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of such a fine, fun man.
Gary,I will always remember you as a truly wonderfull person,a fun person to be around and laugh with. I will miss you.
Gary, my brother, I will miss you dearly. You’ve always impressed me with your accomplishments and I admire how outgoing and upbeat you always were. I’ll always remember when you told me, “Danny, you never know what’s gonna happen when you grow old, so you may as will live life for today!” I’m glad that you and Chris did live life because you packed in more fun moments than some people would in ten lifetimes.
I miss you Gary, but will remember forever the fun times we had. Remember when we were kids and you piggybacked me to the movies in P.O. and Eddie threw the hardened sugardaddy through the screen?He ended up pitching for S.K.H.S. Or how about frying oysters on the beach at Uncle Verne’s? That was fun. Or remember when you took me waterskiing and told me that you’d never skied? Then you skied around the lake and never got your hair wet. Sure you’ve never skied! Or the last time I saw you. When we camped with you and Chris at the ocean. From walks on the beach to crab dinner to closing the Green Lantern, it was always a fun time with you. You knew how to live life and that is how I will always remember you. I love you, Gary.
My heart goes out to all of you grieving for the untimely loss of my brother-in-law Gary Mann. When God made Gary he broke the mold because Gary truly was one of a kind. Our world is a better place because of Gary’s presence on earth!!! Gary’s personality was “larger than life” itself!…he was ready for any challenge or adventure and alway there to lend a helping hand. I’d like to share a couple of special memories of mine and Garys which go back many years. Gary taught me how to drive at the age of 15 1/2…..a stick shift no lessnow that’s a challenge! Gary rescued me once from “Blackie” the 600 lb pig who found her way out to the traffic on the road at Creek View Court in Port Orchard….part of Gary’s farming project which I affectionally refer to as “Gary’s funny farm”…a project Gary and Farmer Bill invented. Gary..over the years had many projects, as most of you will know. His friendly “let me give you a hand with that” will be sadly missed by all who knew him!! Gary,
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind always be at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall softly on your fields,
and until we meet again:
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
Gary, We will love you and miss you always!!! Your sister-in-law,
Julina Wallace
I want to express my sadness at Gary’s death. I worked with him at Olalla Elementary for 3 years. He
was always so upbeat and helpful. I will never forget the bug infestation in the portable and Gary’s patience with us – he would clean the ceiling every night.
I know his loss will leave such a giant hole in the lives of his loved ones. I will not forget him.
I want to express my deepest sympathy to my Uncle Gary’s family. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him!!! At my high school graduation, Uncle Gary and Aunt Chris came to Wisconsin for a visit. We had such a wonderful time, and a memory which will forever remain as one special time for me. Uncle Gary’s humor and positive attitude about people and life will remain with me forever!
Belinda Wallace
My family lived next to Gary and Chris for many years. We will all remember fondly his smiling face and his humor. He was a great friend and neighbor who will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. We will miss him.
Gary was a dear friend and as close to a brother as I could have.I don’t think I ever saw you without a smile on your face. You are truly with the best of them now-Save us a place at the dinner table.We will truly miss you.
gary was a very fun guy to have known.gary you are free to retire now. take that camping trip, you always talked about,and catch that big one in the sky.you will be missed greatly. goodbye gary and thanks for being a great friend. dale and sam.
Gary was always a great help to us at Olalla, going above and beyond to keep our room safe and usable with our many books and materials in the resource room. He always had a smile and could see the bright side of situations.
Will always remember your help and kindness shown us. You will be missed. Charlie and Evelyn Looney.
Gary, always positive, always laughing, always a joy to visit with at the workplace. It’s one thing to have someone retire and move on, but their passing makes us reflect on how short life truely is. Were so glad here that you made the decision to retire and do what you wanted. Gary, go with God.
Gary has given my family a legacy of memories and life lessons. Gary truly lived life to the fullest, always with a smile and joke. You kept us grounded and showed us how little you need in life to be happy. I am so thankful we had that time with you in your new home. You said you felt like you had won the lottery. I will forever think of you on the Horse Heaven Hills, looking down and laughing at the rest of us! You sure did grow big watermelons in your garden this summer in Eastern Washington. And I am so grateful you and Chris had those last “too few” months of happy retirement together with Pam and Larry. Will miss you forever.
Gary & I were great friends when we were youger, and somehow we slipped apart during the years. Nobody will every forget his great smile and upbeat attitude. The world has truly lost a very special person. God Bless you Gary
Chris, and Family
We share your loss, we wish there was mroe we could say. Gary was so wonderful and always mde us feel so close to you both. We will try to see you at the services.
Myrna Shawn and Kevin
Whenever Gary’s name is mentioned immediately you visualize his Smiling face! When you think of Gary you also think of words like fun, happy and a goodtime. We all shall miss Gary very much. His smiling face is one we will never forget. Chris: I am sorry to hear of Garys passing and want you to know if you ever need a shoulder or a hug , I’m here! Linda
Gary you are truly the best!
Your love of life, adventure and fun was heard in your laughter and alway seen in your infectious smile.
I am so happy you retired and had a chance to do some things you always wanted to do. You will be truly be missed, my gentle friend. Go with God.
All my love, Barb
Gary, your contagious smile and laugh will truly be missed. It always reminded us how simple and fun life should be.
Chris, Lisa and I send our sympathies for your loss. If there is anything that we can do for you, please call.
Guestbook for
Gary F. Mann