Gary MacPherson

GARY KEITH MACPHERSON (1934 - 2025)
Gary MacPherson, 90, of Gig Harbor, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on July 31, 1934, in Tacoma, Gary attended Stadium High, where he was a Yell-King (a fact he often reminded us with a well-timed cheer). He worked at the Tacoma Boys Fruit Stand alongside his best friend, Stan Scheyer, to support his way through college. After graduating, they set off on an unforgettable motorcycling tour through Europe.
Gary embraced life like he was ageless. His world revolved around what mattered most - his family, his career, tennis, fishing, and his travels.
One of Gary's greatest loves was his work as a stockbroker, a career he started in 1968 and continued at age 90! His fulfilling career as a stockbroker earned him the deep respect of his peers and lifelong clients that often became friends.
His passion for the markets kept his mind sharp and forward-thinking. He was often the first to adopt a new technology and share the fun – calling on his new voice activated car phone, playing Wii tennis with the grandkids, or sharing webcam videos of your backhand strokes.
Gary loved tennis. He was a fixture at the Mercer Island Country Club from 1969 onward and hosted annual tennis tournaments at his Gig Harbor home. His legendary $10,000 challenge to the family to beat him on the tennis court remains unclaimed.
Whether on Puget Sound or on his annual fishing trip to Langara Island, BC, Gary cherished time on the water with his son, Roger. His son-in-law Guy, along with countless others fortunate enough to join him, became part of treasured memories and stories at sea.
At 67, Gary became "Captain MacPherson" after winning flight lessons at an auction. What began as a whim soon took wing. By age 69, he had earned his pilot's license and bought his own plane.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Cecelia; his children, Roger (Nancy), Christine, and Anne Marie (Chris); and his stepchildren, Tina (Guy) and Greg (BK). He was a proud and devoted Grandfather to Jordan (Rob), Christopher (Sara), Jesse, Keegan, Anna, and Tony (Erin). He was preceded in death by his father, Harold (1998); his mother, Alice Marie (1943); and sister, Patricia (2008).
Those who knew Gary will remember him as a man of great integrity, kindness, curiosity, quiet strength and love for family. While his physical presence, sage wisdom, humor and positive outlook are no longer with us, Gary's spirit will continue to inspire us. May his memory be a blessing and may we carry forth his legacy in all we do.