Gary A. Anderson, 78, of Renton, Washington, passed away on Aug. 9, 2020. He was born to parents Margaret (Maggie) M. Russell and Arne W. Anderson on Nov. 10, 1941, in Eugene, Oregon. Gary moved to Hoquiam, Washington as a child, with his mother and older brother David Anderson. He later became a proud big brother to John Viglasky, who he loved and cherished deeply. Gary enjoyed his childhood and met many of his lifelong friends in Hoquiam. Growing up, he discovered his love for sports. He particularly enjoyed baseball, basketball, football and track (in that order) and loved to root for his beloved Brooklyn Dodgers. In high school, Gary was proud to be a three-year letterman in baseball and basketball. His favorite childhood memories were his baseball and basketball games, when his mother and grandfather, Choppy, would come to cheer him. His grandfather never missed one of his games.
Gary was a proud graduate of Hoquiam High School in 1960. He then attended Grays Harbor Community College and later transferred to the University of Hawaii, and then to Western Washington University (WWU). He received his bachelor of arts degree with a focus in American History from WWU in 1965. Gary’s first career, as an educator, started in North Bend, Washington. He later taught in multiple cities in Washington, including Bremerton and Mabton, as well as Honolulu, Hawaii. He also spent two years teaching in Melbourne, Australia. He firmly believed that “learning is lifelong,” so he returned to the University of Hawaii and earned a master’s degree in Asian Studies in 1977. One of his most treasured memories during graduate school, was traveling to China to interview then, Prince, Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia for The Daily World newspaper. While studying in Hawaii, he also taught driver’s education in Honolulu, which is how he met his wife, Grace, in 1977. Gary noted to his children decades later, that he still remembered what Grace wore when they first met. Gary and Grace married in Honolulu in 1980, and then moved to Bremerton, Washington. Gary and Grace welcomed their daughter, Cari, in 1983. The family moved to Renton, Washington, in 1984, while Gary pursued his second career as a certified financial planner. The family welcomed a son, Aron, in 1986, and daughter, Daron, in 1991.
Gary is a beloved husband, father and grandfather, whose love and support was steadfast and unquestioned. He was a proud father who did not miss a single dance recital, game, or chance to boast about his children, even as adults. Gary also loved to read, and care for his grandsons, Aidan and Brenan. Gary was a cherished friend, who enjoyed thoughtful conversation, and sharing his treasured sports cards with all: his family, friends, acquaintances, and strangers. Gary touched many lives with his positive nature, wise words and infectious laugh. He leaves a legacy of life long learning, compassion, kindness and generosity.
Gary lives on through the hearts and minds of his wife, Grace, children: Cari Anderson Yu and husband Edward Yu, Aron Anderson and fiancé Alicia Pham, and Daron Manso and husband Alex Manso. As well as his sister-in-law Karen, and husband Greg Walczyk, and his young grandsons, Aidan and Brenan Yu. Gary was predeceased by his parents Maggie and Arne, and brothers John and David.
Gary’s family is holding a memorial service for immediate family on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. at Marlatt’s Funeral Home in Kent, Washington. The service will be streamed virtually for friends and extended family. It will also be recorded for later viewing. Gary will be laid to rest at Greenwood Memorial Park in Renton, Washington. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date in 2021.
