Gary Andre Deahl

Gary Andre Deahl, age 78, passed away on January 6, 2025, at Frederick Health Hospital in Frederick, Maryland. Born in Portland Oregon, October 19, 1946, Gary graduated from Ingraham High School, Seattle, Washington in 1964, and attended Western Washington State College and the University of Washington in Seattle.
Gary developed woodworking skills and a strong work ethic early in life, learning from his father and grandfather. He pursued this passion throughout his life, combining an eye for design, a reverence for fine woods, and an understanding and respect for what tools can do. WIth the patience to get it right in the end - bunk beds for his grandchildren, a jewelry chest for his wife, shelves, storage, and flooring in his home, and sharpening knives and chisels - he was always striving for meticulous craftsmanship in his work. In his small garage, he designed and built a functional workshop.
As an avid fly fisherman living in the Pacific Northwest, Gary tied his own flies and introduced his wife, Beth, to the joys of standing in a running stream and presenting the fly with finesse. He served in the Coast Guard Reserves and participated as a charter member of the Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle, where he nurtured his lifelong love of boats, boatbuilding, and naval and maritime history. His favorite books included The History of American Sailing Ships and The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. Other hobbies included golf, biking, and model railroads.
Gary embraced the roles of big brother, stepfather, and grandfather with patience and thoughtfulness. He applied his knowledge of electrical machinery and salesmanship to a career in the power systems industry. Persuasive in business, but always aiming for a win-win, his technical experience and people skills brought success as a sales engineer, project manager, sales manager, national sales representative, and general manager. He worked with clients around the world at Lloyd Controls in Washington, and Peterson Power Systems, Hawthorne Power Systems, and Kohler Power Systems in California. Retirement in Maryland brought him to the Woodworkers Club in Rockville.
In recent years, Gary continued to attract friends and acquaintances with his quiet and friendly personality, thoughtful conversation, and clever sense of humor.
Gary was predeceased by his father, Wilber A. Deahl, and his mother, Mildred M. Kosted Deahl.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Elizabeth (Beth) Davis Deahl; his brothers, Craig Deahl (and wife Marilyn) and Lynn Deahl (and wife Joan); his son, Corey Deahl (and wife Jessie); his step-sons, Brian Cosgrove (and wife Lida) and Shawn Cosgrove; eleven grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
A celebration of Gary's life will take place in the near future.