Gerhardt Vance Gary Kazda

Gerhardt (Gary) Vance Kazda "As I head out to my plane of destination, I look back and see the sad faces watching me. I realize this is hard for all of you, as it was hard for me. But then I look ahead and see all that took this same flight before me, waiting with open arms and smiles of love to be with me again. I will be waiting here for you." Gary was born to Vance and Lena Kazda on August 2, 1926 and passed away in his home on August 26, 2007. He was preceded in death by parents Vance and Lena Kazda, sister Muriel Hain, son Bryon Kazda, and son-in-law David Hamann. Gary was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend. He was well-respected and loved by all. He was a Mason general contractor, and was self-employed with his business, Masonry Unlimited Incorporated, until he retired in 1994. He was a member of Local BAC #1, and still was very involved with the union. Gary loved his garden, travel, and took pride in all he did and did it 100 percent plus. In earlier years he enjoyed camping with family and friends, fishing, hunting, and flying his airplane. He loved all his beagles throughout his years. Gary served in the Army 1945 to 1947, and in the service he was a firefighter. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1945. Gary met Anne B. Williams (Kazda) in high school, who he married and was happily married for 58 years. He is survived by his wife Anne, daughters Connie Hamann, Corrie Kazda (Fred Skidgell), son Glen Kazda, grandchildren Karen, Nicole (Aaron), Elizabeth, Robert, Sara, and great-grandson Taylor, and his 2 beloved beagles, Bravo and Delta. Visitation Tuesday, September 4, 2007 from 2 to 7 at Fir Lane Funeral Home. Services and graveside also held at Fir Lane Funeral Home, 924 East 176th St., Spanaway, WA 98387, on Wednesday, September 5th at 2pm. Casual or Hawaiian attire. Gary loved his dogs. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Gary Kazda's memory to the Humane Society, 2608 Center Street, Tacoma, WA 98409. Thank you to all of you who dropped everything to visit Gary: Curt for being there daily; for the support all of you gave us during this hard time; Hospice for your loving care; Federal Way Costco Photo Lab for sending in dinner for the family, that was much needed; Wanda, Len, Teddy and Roger for your love and support and for making Gary smile; Nicole and Aaron, without you we don't know what we would have done, what troopers, we love you so much; Jeanette, your visit to Gary, and getting Mom out of the house and away from the phones, and making sure everyone got home from the airport; Charlene, Terry and Emily, you keep giving. We love all of you and thank all of you. You know who you are, and we will never forget you.