Gary Albert Jacobs' Obituary
Gary was born in Tacoma on February 11, 1945. He was born 9 days before his Brother in Law, Jim and their Moms were in St. Joseph’s Hospital at the same time, so that must have been the beginning of a long relationship.
Gary went to school in Tacoma graduating from Stadium in 1964. He worked for many years on the Stadium ‘64’ reunion committee. He met Irene while in high school and they were married in 1966. They were blessed with a son and a daughter and have one granddaughter. Gary spent time with his kids through scouting, sports, swimming and Dance. He was a proud Rainbow Dad for his Daughter’s Assembly and a Rainbow Board member. He earned the Grand Cross of Color for his dedication. He also earned the Golden Acorn Award for his work in PTA and the Silver Beaver Award for his years spent as a Boy Scout Leader. He was so proud when his granddaughter decided to go to Art School and was looking forward to seeing her reach her goal in Video Animation.
Gary worked for Tam Engineering in Tacoma for 20 years. When the opportunity arose he began work for the Boeing Company. He became a Tooling Inspector and travelled to many cities across the United States, his favorite being California. He took an early retirement in 2005 when the company decided to outsource equipment.
He decided he wanted to become a card dealer, so went to school to learn the trade. He enjoyed his time spent dealing in a local casino but after a couple of years gave it up to spend time with his Brother in Law in the Estate Sale business. He truly loved going to garage and Estate Sales, poking through other people’s stuff to find treasures to sell at the Antique Mall in Fife.
He was a committed gentle soul with a heart of gold and would help where ever and whenever he could. He generously gave of his time volunteering for the different organizations to which he belonged. He might grumble a bit, but he never shirked from doing something to help someone. Even in death, he was able to give six recipients a new lease on life as he chose to be an organ donor. He would have been most pleased.
In 1985, he built an addition onto the family home. He couldn’t hit a nail with a hammer when he started but became very proficient as a carpenter by the time he finished and went on the remodel his Mom and Dad’s home and completely remodel his daughter’s first home. He loved to work with wood and liked to refinish furniture to resell.
Gary became a Mason to surprise his Father in Law and joined the Tacoma Valley Scottish Rite. He was Worshipful Master in 1987. In 1984 he joined Cedar Chapter #173, OES and was Worthy Patron several times. He joined Vida Chapter #35 and served as Worthy Patron and was Associate Patron at the time of his death. One of his greatest pleasures was to be appointed a Deputy Instructor in Eastern Star. He enjoyed travelling throughout the state, meeting people and making friends wherever he went.
He will be truly missed by many, especially his wife Irene, daughter Kristine and beloved granddaughter Vicktoria. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Doris and his son
Tim. He is also survived by his siblings, Tom (Jeri Ann), Peggy, and Don (Debbie) and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on December 21, 2015 at 11AM at Mountain View Valley Chapel. A luncheon will follow at the Scottish Rite in Tacoma, 817 S. Vassault. Gary will rest close to his son and his parents. We will not forget his generous nature and zest for living.
It was his wish that donations go to the Eastern Star Scholarship fund.
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