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Gary Vena Obituary
May 20, 1946 - March 11, 2016
"Loved and Admired By All Who Knew Him"- Seldom have these words been more appropriate then when used to describe Gary Vena. Born in Seattle, Gary was a track star at Franklin High School, avid mountaineer and instructor, skier and instructor, successful business owner, and a man of faith in our Lord. Gary was all of these and much more. To his loving family and friends, Gary was universally considered our hero. In life he was literally a hero - awarded the Bronze Star and multiple Purple Hearts for his heroism and leadership as an Army Special Forces officer serving our country in Vietnam. Gary was a selfless, patient, caring, kind, and giving man. He was most proud of his wife of 48 years, Nolene, sons Justin and Scott, family and friends - and would tirelessly share his joy in them with anyone who would listen. He would say "I am so pleased". Gary made everyone around him a better person. He left to be with the Lord surrounded at his home by many who loved him, and we look forward to being united with him in Heaven. Gary is survived by the love of his life, wife Nolene, sons Justin (Brandi) and Scott, and his extensive blended family -- stepmother Lois Vena; brothers Michael (Bunny) Vena, Frank (Becky) Vena, Randy (Rhonda) Lamb, Marty (Kana) Crealock; sisters Lisa (Ron) Hanson, Kim (Bruce) Hasson , Terri (George) Crealock, Connie (Chuck) Thompson; brothers-in-law Mike (Kathy), Bob, Jesse, and Steve Parshall; aunts, uncle, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by Joyce and Frank Vena, and Dale and Royce Lamb. There is not enough room on this page to fully describe the admiration, love and wonderful memories we hold in our hearts for Gary.
A memorial will be held Sunday April 3rd at 2 pm at Glendale Country Club in Bellevue, 13440 Main St. A private burial will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to "Friends of Fircrest", c/o Fircrest School, 15230 15th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Vena
Sponsored by The Family.
6 Entries
Jennifer DeArmitt Holtzclaw
November 24, 2019
In memory of a wonderful family man. My heart & prayers go out to Nolene-I cannot imagine how hard it must have been for her to help Scott understand.
Jennifer DeArmitt Holtzclaw
November 24, 2019
I worked with his son Scott for many years and both Gary & Nolene was always welcomed guests in the group homes.. I have fond memories of Gary, us visiting their cabin, house Christmas parties, trips
To the dr. (or ER). Gary was so very loving and kind, his adoration for his family was clear to everyone who knew him. I am so, so sad to learn of his passing several years ago.. Gary & his family have been & forever will be my favorite client family, even over 20yrs later I think of them. Gary Vena was truly a wonderful family man. My heart goes out to Nolene.❤
April 2, 2016
Gary was a wonderful friend , Brother and Family member. Everyone's life was enriched having him in it.
May he now rest peacefully .
Tom & Shellie Lavaris.
Dorothy Greeno
March 31, 2016
Such a loss to the whole world
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Bunny Vena
March 30, 2016
Love you my beautiful brother.
Will miss you everyday.
you were truly one of a kind.
Bunny
Kim and Dennis Germann
March 27, 2016
The world has lost a wonderful man....Gary has always been one of my favorite people, it didn't matter if I hadn't seen him in years he would still give me a big hug and smile and ask how my life was going. Our hearts go out to Nolene and family and all of the Lamb and Vena extended families, so very sorry for your loss. Gary will be missed so much by everyone that knew him.
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