Gary Edward Gallwas

Gary Gallwas passed away at home surrounded by family at 7:45 p.m. on November 29. He was 82. He started life in Tacoma Washington, the only son of Ed and Alice Gallwas, and was deeply loved. He spent his life being kind to every person he encountered.

He loved playing baseball with his friends at Peck Field and was a member of the1963 champion Mason Middle School Football Team. After graduating from Stadium High School in 1963, he enlisted in the Coast Guard and was based in Savannah GA, where he met his wife, Regina, of 57 years. They married and returned to Tacoma. Their son, Jason, was born in 1974. Gary graduated from University of Puget Sound and had a Masters and an ABD of Political Science at the UW. He worked for the WA State Employment Security Department and loved the work he did as a public servant and the people he worked with.

After retiring from Employment Security, he volunteered to deliver food for Meals on Wheels and made many dear friends. He loved listening to and playing music all his days. He loved golf and was competitive his whole life. Gary lived life to the fullest and with optimism. His garden was where his heart thrived, but above all he loved his wife and son with a dedication that will be missed.

A memorial service is planned for late summer.