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Gerald Fay M.D.
1950 - 2025
FUNERAL HOME
Gerald Fay Obituary
In 1980 the Fays moved to the Pacific Northwest to start their medical practices and a family. Shortly after moving to Olympia, they were blessed with three wonderful daughters who were the light of his life. Dr. Fay practiced in Olympia as an independent primary care Internist for 40 years until his retirement. His dedication to his patients was legendary and he was truly the doctor's doctor. He was very devoted to his patients and often made house calls. He served on several committees at Providence St Peter Hospital. He enjoyed the challenge and excelled in clinical diagnosis and remained a strong advocate for his patients. He developed, in his spare time, clinical software to help with the management of patient care under the name of Phase V Software. In 2020, he retired and his absence from the medical community was strongly felt. His loyal and loving patients made him feel he had truly impacted their lives over the years. As a devoted and loving husband and father, he loved spending time with family, travelling both overseas and hiking in the beautiful Pacific NW mountains as well as skiing, boating and cycling. He also participated in and managed a local book club. As his family was very involved in music, he contributed his lyric baritone to the Masterworks Chorale for four years. He particularly enjoyed commuting to his office on his road bike for over 10 years.
Dr. Fay was the son of the late John W Fay and Catherine M Fay. He was the brother of the late John (Jack) Fay of Warwick, RI. He is survived by his loving wife Sheila, their three daughters, Rachel of Ballard, WA, Rebecca Fay Walsh of Pound Ridge, NY, Jacqueline of Mizpeh Ramon, Israel, and two grandsons Finn Thomas Walsh of Pound Ridge, NY., and Benjamin Or Sparks of Mizpeh Ramon, Israel.
Dr. Fay will be laid to rest at Masonic Memorial Park, September 28th, 2025 at 1 p.m. A reception with light refreshments and time for sharing and fellowship will immediately follow at the South Sound Manor. The address for both is 455 North St SE, Tumwater, WA 98501.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Fay
Sponsored by Funeral Alternatives of Washington - Tumwater South Sound Manor - Tumwater.
53 Entries
Mark Lovrien
Yesterday
Dr. Fay was my doctor for many years. He was truly one of a kind. Always interested in not only your health but your life. He was never without his own stories. He was a wonderful doctor. Smart, knowledgeable, and compassionate with his patients. He was truly missed when he retired. We lost a great person with his passing.
Kathy Gore-Fuss
September 29, 2025
I had the good fortune to marry Jim Frost as my second husband, who insisted I transfer over to receive care from Jerry Fay. Jerry, Sheila and Jim worked together to set up their new practice in the '80's (Olympia Family Medicine) and became fast friends in the process. Jim joined the board at St. Peter's Hospital for many year's in part because Jerry and Sheila inspired the best in other's, as well as the best in our health care system. We all know how both Jerry and Sheila built trust through their high standards of compassionate care for their patients. Not to be overlooked: the Fay's lead by example for so many other physicians, clinicians, nurses and staff to help shape a healthy culture within our local medical community. It has been said, and worth saying again, Jerry was a detective in a doctor's coat. Nothing could stop him from getting to the bottom of what his patients might have been suffering from. Jerry also understood how our emotional lives played a part in our maladies. He never shied away from telling us directly what he thought could help ease our emotional pain. I was a lucky recipient of one of those therapeutic discussions and it changed the course of my relationships with my entire family. I am forever indebted to his honesty and kindness. I send my love to Sheila and the girls during this challenging time.
Virgil and Jean Knackstedt
September 29, 2025
This is such a tragic loss of someone who had justly earned, hopefully, a long and happy retirement. There are so many things that we will remember about Jerry that time cannot take away...that big smile and voice, energy level, compassion, and unerring commitment to practice exceptional medicine.
When I would be in an exam room for a routine visit, we would invariably detour into a chagrined discussion of what Medicine had unfortunately become. As a former Internist, he and I would speak affectionately about the 'Grand Old Men' of Medicine who had been our mentors, clinicians to whom physical diagnosis, clinical experience, and thought, superseded technology. Jerry was a modern version of one of those clinicians, the likes of whom are becoming more rare. He will be deeply missed as a friend, and our caregiver. We extend to Sheila and his daughters our deepest sympathy.
Barbara Amidon
September 29, 2025
My deepest sympathy to Sheila and daughters. I knew Dr Fay as a Dr by his excellent reputation, but primarily as a wonderful father, and as a warm and kindhearted man through the school community. My heart is with your family. May his memory be a blessing.
Barbara
David and Kay Gedrose
September 29, 2025
Dr. Fay was my and my wife's doctor for over fifteen years. I told him at his retirement that he was a "doctor's doctor." His calling as a physician was truly his life's work. He always greeted me with a smile and had the ability to make me feel as though I was his only and most important patient. He always knew my file, and his knowledge of medicine was monumental. I trusted him completely. He correctly diagnosed a small rise in my PSA as problematic and made sure I had the best treatment for prostate cancer, going the extra mile in that regard. I will never forget him and honor his memory. His love for his family was always evident, as was his overall love of life. A great physician and a great man, who made a difference for good in this world.
Bill & Sue Parnell
September 29, 2025
So sorry to hear of Geralds passing. He will be greatly missed by the community. We always considered ourselves blessed to have him as our primary physician for many years. He was always considerate of our feelings and was truly interested in not only our personal wellbeing but our family ongoings. He would always take the time at an appointment to first listen to our woes and then give advice and recommendations. We will pray for Sheilas comfort and peace of mind during this time of grief.
KJ
September 29, 2025
I am sorry for your loss, Dr Fay was a wonderful man and Dr. I was not one of his patients for long but he was the best doctor I have ever had. I still have not found a doctor with his knowledge, kindness and wonderful demeanor. I am also thankful for is advice about skin cancer. My husband and I joke about how much he warned/educated us about skin cancer at our physicals but we follow his advice after he retired and did our annual skin checks with our dermatologist. Thanks goodness because a couple years later in a routine check at 45 they found skin cancer on my husband´s face. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and for being a wonderful man and doctor.
Rick & Claudia Wickman
September 28, 2025
My wife and I enjoyed Dr Fay as our family doctor for 38 years until his well deserved retirement. He was a friend, confident, healer and a wonderful human being. How fortunate to be his patients for almost four decades. He taught other aspiring physicians along the way. Medicine has changed much but he was the best and the brightest the way it should be. Our heart felt condolences to Sheila and family for allowing us to share his life. We will never forget him.
Suzanne Frappier
September 28, 2025
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Dr. Fay. He was an exceptional doctor and a wonderful colleague who always held his patients in the highest esteem. His memory will be deeply missed. May you find comfort in his legacy and cherish the robust fond memories you have of him.
Charles Johnson
September 28, 2025
He was a GREAT Doctor and I well luck to had him as my Doctor for as many years that I did. Rest in Peace dear friend
Dave Fairbrook
September 28, 2025
Gerry was the last of the "real internists" here in Olympia- I like to think that I was another, all before the days of ER docs, hospitalists and even specialist. When the Clinic failed I was forced into Private Practice- ( I was sick the day the Med school spoke about managing a private office) Asked Gerry for and received help. He sold me his computer program , trained my staff, and was a huge help in getting my office organized. I don´t recall how much I paid, but it probably wasn´t enough. Will never forget the help and assistance he gave me during a late career transition time. He will not be forgotten. Dave
Ed Leigan
September 28, 2025
Jerry was my doctor for 30 plus years. A wonderful doctor and human being. He will be missed.
Carol and Larry Larson
September 28, 2025
Gerry is man we cherished. As a physician, as a loyal friend and as a passionate human being. All our love to Sheila and the girls. Simply, we loved him.
Wanda Hedrick
September 28, 2025
This is a sad farewell, alas too soon, to an ideal physician and wonderful friend. May he have known how appreciated and admired he was by his patients and friends.
Love and sympathy to Sheila and the girls.
Ray Hardee
September 28, 2025
I was blessed to know Dr Fay as both my doctor and my friend. He stood with me through my cancer journey, giving me not only excellent medical care but also strength and encouragement when I needed it most. He also cared for my mother in the final stages of her life.
What I´ll always remember is how he combined great skill, knowledge and wisdom with a genuine heart. He touched my life, my family´s life, and the lives of so many others. I am deeply grateful for his friendship and his care, and he will always occupy a place in my heart.
Ray Hardee
September 28, 2025
Dr Fay my doctor and friend. He combined great skill with a genuine heart. He helped me through my cancer journey and was the doctor for my aging parents. He will always have a place in my heart.
Mike O'Dell
September 28, 2025
Dr. Fay was the best doctor of all I've had. His level of intelligence and his analytical mind saved my life on more than one occasion. Through the years, and up to his retirement, he was more than a doctor to me. He was also my friend and we shared many conversations about things not medically related. I've missed him since he retired...........rest in peace my friend.
Frankie Shepherd-Smith
September 28, 2025
So many gracious words said about Dr. G. Fay and all are true!
Brett Hardcastle
September 28, 2025
Our whole family became Dr. Fays
Patients when he came to Olympia. He was an amazing Dr. but more importantly an amazing human being. Always giving the best advice and medical care in the 40 plus years of being his patient. He leaves an amazing legacy in the medical community, his family and the city of Olympia
Bob Lang and Nancy Mackin
September 28, 2025
Nancy and I were saddened when we heard that Gerald is no longer with us.
I was not aware of his baritone capabilities and had assumed the family's superb musical talents were primarily Sheila inspired.
I did know of his exceptional clinical skills through the patients who, from time to time, would require concurrent medical and neurosurgical care. It was such a pleasure and honor to work with him.
This Community has just lost an incredible person, 45 years in Olympia , devoted family man, Medical Professional, sportsman, supporter and participant in the musical arts. Such an exemplary life.
Our condolences to Sheila, Rachael, Rebecca, Jacqueline and families.
Geri may you rest in eternal peace.
Sandra Dergan
September 27, 2025
Dr. Fay, Was a great physician, he listen to his patients and would spend as much time with them as needed. I'm sure this caused some back up with the schedule. Our family relied on both Dr. Jerry & Dr. Sheila Fay. Our Sympathies and prayers are with you all.
Sandy & Bill Dergan
Kathy Sayler
September 27, 2025
I needed a Dr. I worked at the hospital and witnessed Dr Fay´s interactions with his pts. One day he was at the muses station and I overheard him say "I am discharcharging this pt and then I am driving him home". That did it! I got on the elevator and asked him if he would take me on as a pt. Never looked back and loved being his pt! He was such a good Dr. and such a good person!!´ I am so sad he is gone and sending my thoughts to his family
Jack Sisco
September 27, 2025
Dr Fay rode a bike to work. I road a bike often and far. At one appointment he took me into an adjacent office and showed me his bike with all the neat adjustments he had made.
I really liked him as a doctor and doubt I can find a replacement as good.
If there is a heaven I hope you went there Sir.
Mitch & Joan Larsson
September 27, 2025
To Dr. Faye`s family
We are the Larsson`s of which Dr. Faye was our internist from the time we lived in Limpia until he retired. We absolutely loved going to Dr Faye and as you mentioned, he was the doctor of doctors. When we move to Olympia, we ask everyone who the best doctor in the area was, internist, and they all stated Dr. Gerald Faye. We soon found that out, and we also Dr. Sheila Faye on occasions as our surgeon. We were sad to hear the passing of Dr Faye, we now live in Utah, but we will always remember him for all of the joy that he brought us when we would go see him.
Patricia Baron
September 27, 2025
Dr. Fay was my trusted and valued doctor for more than 20 years. I still miss him and his devoted care, his curiosity about everything- especially his patients' welfare. Gerald Fay was a blessing for many of us. I, for one, will always be grateful for having been his patient.
Carolyn and Loren Vian
September 27, 2025
I am greatly saddened by this news! Dr. Jerry was a terrific and caring doctor. His knowledge of medicine and ability to analyze symptoms and then beautifully explain the problem was amazing. Blessings and peace to Dr. Sheila and family. Loren and I share your grief. Loving thoughts to you, Carolyn and Loren
Liz St Louis
September 27, 2025
Ditto to all these others.
He was my primary care doc for 40 plus years, and also a colleague who 'had my back'. When I would send him a patient with a three inch thick chart, Gerry would get to the root of the problem in no time!
A great physician and a lovely person. Miss him terribly.
Liz St Louis
Buzz Simpson
September 27, 2025
Buzz Simpson
My wife Patti and I were looking for a doctor in the early 1980's. We were told a new doctor was in Lacey and we met Dr. Fay. We were his patients when he retired almost 36 years later. What a decent, caring and excellent doctor he was. He would sit on his stool, look up and say: What's going on Buzz. My wife Patti and he had extensive political discussions that I'm sure drove Kathy crazy with scheduling. Our daughter Kelly was also a patient on this journey. We feel so bad when learning of his passing. He was such a goid man, A wonderful doctor and a good friend. We will miss him.
Pat Michael
September 27, 2025
Along with a lot of folks, I was a patient of Dr Fay's for 40 years. On my last visit before his retirement, I told him that I felt like ike I was losing a family member. His reply - "that's how it should be." And with him, that is just how it was. I feel lucky to have known him, and had him to rely on, for all those years. Thanks to Shiela and the girls for sharing h I'm with all of us.
Carolyn Popp
September 27, 2025
Gerry touched so many lives ... he was truly a great doctor and friend to us all!
James A. Krug, M.D.
September 27, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Geri´s passing. Especially at such a young age.
I am a fellow physician and have known him since he first arrived in Olympia. In fact, I managed to bend the rules to allow him to be a member of a monthly discussion group called the Surgical Club.
He kept me as healthy as possible as my physician. And as an Obstetrician, I had the privilege of delivering his children.
He was always dear to me as friend and Physician.
May he rest in peace.
Jim Krug
Diana Ehri
September 27, 2025
Dr. Fay was my doctor for over 30 years. Not only did we loose a gifted physician, we lost a beautiful human being.
I would occasionally run into him after he retired. He always took the time to chat and catch up.
My heart felt condolences to Sheila and his family. He will be missed.
Denise Marti
September 27, 2025
My entire family was blessed to have Dr. Fay as our family doctor. He was always there for us and saw us through the best and worst of times. If someone was in the Hospital, he was sure to show and provide a plan, treatment and a kind word. We greatly missed him when he retired. May he rest in peace and may perpetual light shine on him. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Barbara Lazio
September 27, 2025
When Gerry called me about a patient, I knew he had not only thoroughly investigated what was plaguing the patient by talking to them and doing the appropriate tests, but he was genuinely interested in solving the puzzle with me. He embodied the love for the art of medicine that is becoming so rare. He never seemed to lose that keenness and passion that most of us bring to our early careers, but often fades. Gerry and Sheila started as colleagues, but their warmth and humor quickly drew me to consider them dear friends. With his healthy living, I truly thought Gerry would live forever. He will be profoundly missed.
Linda and Nathan Buff
September 27, 2025
My sincere condolences in Dr. Fay passing. Working with him in the hospital and in his office was the highlight of my life.He was indeed everything of what it means to be a physician and a good man. My prayers go up to heaven and Thanksgiving for him and his family. Not only may he rest in peace, but heaven will be better for having him there.
Chris and Melinda Griffith
September 27, 2025
Dr Fay was such a fine physician and friend to Mendy and I.
He brought energy into the room as well as kindness and a genuine interest in others.
Olympia is richer for his life and service.
Wonderful woman in his wife Sheila.... Beautiful daughters.
Rest well we pray.
Chris and Melinda Griffith
Edward G. Fosbre
September 27, 2025
I am devastated by the sad news of Doctor Fays passing. Dr Fay was my physician of choice from 1983 until his retirement. Not only was he my Doctor he was also a friend and confidant
Susie Tracy
September 27, 2025
Dr. Fay was my physician for nearly 40 years. I´m certain he saved my life at least once and my husband´s several times. In between those tough times he was a terrific physician, direct but still compassionate, up-to-date and well informed, always game for a good long political discussion (which I´m sure drove his staff crazy schedule-wise), and maybe best of all he was a good detective - if the diagnosis wasn´t immediately evident he didn´t stop until he figured it out. I was blessed to have him as my caregiver and I missed him terribly when he retired. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family upon his passing.
Abby
September 27, 2025
I worked under Dr Fay for my first job ever. He cared immensely for everyone. He was passionate and dedicated, intelligent, and full of humor. When I left Olympia internal medicine, my biggest sadness was leaving an incredible colleague. Dr Fay always had great words of wisdom and support for me. It's been close to 7 years since I was there, but I think about him and Sheila often. Condolences to the family. Forever in my heart.
Dean Winner
September 27, 2025
I absolute condolences to the family. I was his patient for most of not all of the 40 years he was in Olympia. We miss him terribly and constantly remember him.
Donna Snow
September 27, 2025
I was very fortunate to have Dr. Fay as my primary doctor for many years. He was very dedicated to his patients and gave me the best of dare. I am very saddened to hear of his passing.
Christi Allen
September 27, 2025
Dr. Fay was my doctor for nearly 40 years. He was a wonderful physician; I´m glad to have known him. He will be missed.
Nancy Partlow
September 26, 2025
I'm so very sorry to hear of Gerry's passing. My Mom, Dad and Grandma were all patients of his. Gerry was a wonderful doctor and an amazing force of energy, humanity and humor. It could be challenging to get around to talking about a specific malady during an appointment with him for all joking and dishing that was going on. My dad Verne especially loved him and he and Gerry would always talk about the Mariners. Maybe Mom, Dad and Gerry will be watching the Mariners in the playoffs from heaven this year. My heartfelt love and condolences to Sheila and family.
Nancy Irving
September 26, 2025
Nothing stuffy about him -- easy to talk with and a great doctor!
Catherine Foster
September 26, 2025
Dr. Fay was my personal physician for many years. His keen mind, intense curiosity, and ability to diagnose -- not from using technology, but from his careful listening to his patient -- what was going on was at times astounding. One time, I came in with what I thought were rather generalized symptoms of perhaps the flu, and w/in seconds he asked if I had recently eaten oysters. I had, and he correctly diagnosed me with vibrio. Sending my condolences to his family on the death of this extraordinary man.
Gregory Mundell
September 25, 2025
I did not know Dr. Fay- but my mom, Anita Mundell spoke so highly of both Dr. Gerry and Dr. Sheila. Though she passed away in 2020, I will never forget mom coming home from appointments and sharing how she fantastic he (they) were. Even after so many years, I appreciated so much knowing that though my mom was going through medical challenges, she had a medical professional(s) who was not only gifted, but compassionate. I have nothing but gratitude for such a life of service. Dr. Sheila and family- I pray for peace and healing in this time.
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