Gerald McKechnie's Obituary
Tacoma Tied
Gerald was born in Tacoma, Washington, on January 21, 1948, to David Graham McKechnie and Helen E. (Clair) McKechnie. He was raised and educated in Tacoma and remained there his entire life except for two years spent working on floors in Texas around 1983. Gerald was tied to Tacoma, and enjoyed the career, family and friends that this city housed for him over the years.
Taking Flight at Boeing
Gerald enjoyed a long and successful career at Boeing International as a machinist in the Fabrication Division. One of the highlights of his career was to be awarded a Certificate of Special Recognition for his efforts to reduce the backlog and continuously improving the quality of his products. This certificate was presented to Gerald in March, 1994, from three of his supervisors and the general supervisor. Gerald was recognized for his dedication and support, but was also highly regarded for his generosity. On holidays, Gerald would make turkeys and food for everyone at work. Gerald retired from Boeing in June, 2004, after 22 years of dedicated service.
Life’s Challenges
Life was not without challenge for Gerald. Gerald had a speech impediment that required he receive assistance for small vocal activities like ordering food at a restaurant. However, over time, Gerald eventually overcame his impediment and this challenge. Secondly, despite everyone believing that Gerald would require care, it was he who turned out to be the caregiver. Gerald took care of his mother for much of his life, up until her passing when he was 27. At that point, Gerald was alone for the first time in his life, and although this was a difficult time, he proved yet again that he could overcome challenges and manage. At the age of 40, Gerald accomplished a personal goal by attaining of his driver’s license, and furthered his pride by later purchasing a 1998 Chevy Sports car and a home.
A Generosity of Spirit
Not only did Gerald overcome the challenges that faced him, he took it upon himself to bring joy to others through his kindness and generosity. Gerald’s goodness was evident in his thoughts and beliefs. He realized that life wasn’t always fair, but he hoped to see more people taking care of each other. As a youth, whenever he received money, he would go to the store and buy some treat for his mother, like candy. The same generous behavior existed when Gerald won money at the casinos, which was a pastime he enjoyed. His nieces and nephews found Gerald to be “a good and generous uncle.” Part of his giving came in the form of hosting family gatherings, at which Gerald would cook up spaghetti and fried chicken.
Gerald’s Personal Time
Gerald was very particular about the appearance of his hair, and was most comfortable in a casual setting. He always had a smile on his face and was most often adorned in his Levi’s blue jeans, colored pocket t-shirts, and jean jacket. He enjoyed time spent with family camping at places like Curluw Lake and Iron Creek or enjoying a beer with friends at the bar. He loved the trip he took with friends to Reno, Nevada. Spare time was spent listening to Western music or watching TV, but reading the Bible was a true love and a daily activity.
A Legacy of Kindness
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents David and Helen McKechnie; brothers David (Bud) and James McKechnie and sisters, Avilda Ellis, Jean Grylls, Kathy Woodard and Cherye Ellis-Pottle. Gerald was a beloved son, brother and lifelong friend who will be sadly missed by his surviving siblings: brother, Jack McKechnie, and sisters; Maxine Otto, Judith Powell, Penny Spragg, and Patricia Andrews, along with many nieces and nephews. Gerald will be remembered for his soft voice, kind heart, warm smile, and his generosity of spirit.
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