Gary Paul Kallio

Gary Paul Kallio, age 81, passed away peacefully in Bothell, WA on February 23, 2025. He had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor on New Year's Day.
Gary was born July 16, 1943, in Seattle, WA, to parents Arvo and Margaret Kallio. After graduating from Evergreen High School in 1961, Gary attended Everett Junior College then transferred to Seattle Pacific University where he earned a BA in English and Teaching credential. Gary met Pearl McNamee at Seattle Pacific and they were engaged after a short courtship. They were married in 1969 when Gary returned from his service with the Army.
The couple lived in Longview, WA until their daughter Susie was a year old. Then made their way north living in Centralia and Federal Way briefly, before landing in Bothell. Gary was drawn to the business world and sold life insurance for many years with Mutual of New York. In his free time, Gary enjoyed photography, golf, biking, and helping others.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Pearl; daughter Susie (Lance) Abramson; grandchildren: Lyndsey, Shane, Jeff, Matilda and Max; sister Janet Galvin; sister-in-law Tricia Kallio, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Robert Kallio. Gary was known for his generosity, Sisu, sense of humor with puns and word plays, and "Gary-isms."
Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, April 5th at 2 p.m. at Rock of Hope Baptist Church, 7812 224th St SW, Edmonds, WA 98026