Gary Lee Axelson

Gary Lee Axelson passed away peacefully in Oakton, Virginia on February 13, 2025 after a brave 10-year bout with Multiple Myeloma. During that time, he endured a wide range of treatments with optimism and hope, always finding joy in life in spite of his illness. Gary was born in Chicago in 1944 to Mel and Dorothy Axelson. He grew up in a loving family of Swedish descent, the eldest of four children. Gary attended the University of Illinois but left when he was hired at a local radio station, jumping into what would be a successful career in journalism. He worked in radio in Chicago and Milwaukee and eventually was hired by Metromedia, which relocated him to Washington. He covered a variety of national and international beats, including the State Department and the White House, and accompanied President Nixon on a trip to China.
Gary married Emily Kastning, whom he met in college in 1967. They welcomed daughter Kristin in 1969 and son Eric in 1971. In 1972, Gary moved to television, working for WJLA-TV in Washington, an ABC affiliate. He covered a wide range of local domains and served as the medical reporter, winning an Emmy Award for his piece on pediatric cancer.
In 1984, he left journalism to focus on his long-desired goal of becoming a clinical psychologist, getting his doctorate from George Mason University in 1984. He then began a 30 year career with Fairfax County Community Services Board, working in Emergency Services. Gary was instrumental in helping to improve the Mobile Crisis Unit, making it a model program for acute mental health crisis intervention.
Gary married Stacey Waring in 1992, and they welcomed son Stephen in 1994 and adopted son Mickey in 2004. During this time, he was promoted to being the Director of Clinical Operations for the mental health system, a position he held until his retirement in 2013. After retirement, Gary spent time pursuing his interest in bonsai, volunteering with the National Arboretum, and increased his prowess in chess and other avocations (of which he had many!).
Gary loved his family deeply and was thrilled to become a grandfather to Erica, Zoe and Skye, all of whom have grown to be bright and achieving young women. He also had wonderfully supportive relationships with his two sisters, Chris and Nancy, and his brother, Randy. Gary was a dog lover, having raised several Golden Retrievers and his most special friend, Charlie, a Border Collie. As his health began to fail, he still continued to demonstrate gratitude and joy for his blessings. Gary will be sorely missed, but his gentle spirit and kind heart will live on in all of us!