Garry Wayne Squance

Garry Squance of Gig Harbor died March 15 at Rainier Rehabilitation in Puyallup following a stroke. He was 78 years old.

Garry was born in Vancouver, BC, to Albert Squance and Elizabeth McNeil Squance. He graduated from Peninsula High School and studied electronics at Bates Vocational School. He was drafted into the U.S. Army infantry and served in Vietnam in 1968. He worked at the Tacoma Smelter until it closed around 1985, and became a journeyman electrician and foreman at the Lime Plant on the tide flats in Tacoma.

As a child, Garry loved the outdoors, and wildlife often found a way into his bedroom. On one occasion at Sunday school, a long-missing frog appeared in Garry’s Bible as dry as a pressed leaf. He loved to fish with his father and uncle in Puget Sound and nearby lakes and Canada.

Sports were always top on his list and where he formed lifelong friendships. Sports included basketball, skiing, volleyball, golf, playing cards, and board games. In later years, Garry focused on his cats, reading, and playing golf as often as time would allow. He loved his golf mates and entered tournaments whenever possible.

Garry cared for his mother following his dad’s death. In 1989, he married Carol and shared life, love and challenges until her death in 2019. They enjoyed having friends over to watch sporting events, particularly the Seahawks. Stray cats that appeared at their door were taken in, loved, and cared for.

He was a bashful child but had a wonderful prankster’s personality and sense of humor, with a pleasant disposition and smile for everyone. He connected to his native heritage later in life, becoming a member of the Kwikwetlem First Nation in Canada, which he considered an honor and privilege.

Garry was preceded in death by his parents; wife Carol; brother Randy; nephew Ryan; and niece Shanon. He is survived by his brother Fran Pinchbeck; Rick (Cindi) Squance; and sister Alberta (Charles) Murphy, who all live locally and share many memorable mischievous moments together.

A celebration of Garry’s life will be held at the Gig Harbor Eagles, May 4 from 1 to 4 p.m.