Gary Richard Gimel

Gary Gimel passed away peacefully Dec. 24, 2024, at 82 with his wife and son by his side. He fought a courageous battle against cancer with his usual calm and accepting approach to life.

Born in Tacoma, his family moved to Rosedale when Gary was young. His passion for boating started there. By age 12, he was tearing across the water on a small hydroplane. He worked on the Victory during high school, a fishing boat from Gig Harbor that fished for salmon in the San Juans.

Gary graduated from Peninsula High School in 1961. Many of his classmates remained lifelong friends. He attended two years at Olympic College, where he learned to play pinochle, and worked for a short time at Boeing before starting as a driver for Pacific Air Freight, which later became Airborne Express. There, he dedicated 35 years and one day of service. He retired in 2002 as a cartage manager.

The family cabin on Case Inlet was Gary’s favorite place to be. He loved raising his son Kelly there together with great friends and their kids. Now his grandchildren are keeping up the tradition of marshmallow roasting, boat rides, and floating on the water on inner tubes.

Family was the most important part of Gary’s life. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Marlin; son Kelly (Sarah); 8-year-old grandchildren Harper and Mackson; brother Jim Hommel (Joani); several brothers- and sisters-in-law; and two generations of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Avid Gimel; and brother Bob Hommel (Nydia).

Gary was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was a very caring guy who was the first to offer to help others, but didn’t want to ask for help himself. He had a great sense of humor (essential to staying married for 51 years) and a devilish grin. He never wanted to be the center of attention and would be embarrassed at these flattering words. Please remember him with a smile.