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BORN
1938
DIED
2018
Gary Tonge Obituary
Bremerton, WA
Aug. 29, 1938 to Jan. 13, 2018
Gary Russell Tonge passed away peacefully on Jan. 13, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.
Gary was born in Seattle on Aug. 29, 1938 to William and Alice (Venard) Tonge. Together with siblings Tom, Frances and Karen, he grew up in the Tracyton area, graduating from Central Kitsap High School in 1956. His classmates will remember the tall, quiet guy with a goofy sense of humor and the sweetest jumpshot you'll ever see.
Gary's life changed at the age of 18 when he spied a lovely gal working behind the counter at the Roxy. He convinced a friend to set up a date with Marie (Billie) Gaffney, and a success it was. They married April 30, 1960 and children Eileen, Alice (Allie), and Bill soon followed.
Gary spent his career as a draftsman and technician, working at Boeing, Bangor and Keyport. He spent 28 years in the Washington National Guard Reserves, retiring as Lt. Colonel. Outside of work, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking and drawing. When he wasn't coaching his children's sports teams, he was their biggest fan.
Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Marie; daughters, Eileen (Bob) Kollars and Allie (Michael) Wallitner; son, Bill Tonge; grandchildren, Jordan and Erin Kollars and Dalton and Michaela Wallitner; and siblings, Tom Tonge and Karen Powell.
A funeral Mass for Gary will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Bremerton on Friday, February 9th at 11 a.m. His burial will be at Tahoma National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Building Campaign or Bremerton Foodline.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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