Gary Nash

1944 - 2012

Gary Nash passed away April 13, 2012, after a short battle with cancer. He died at home surrounded by his family.
Gary was born March 10, 1944, in Anchorage, to Vernon and Evelyn Nash. When he was
3 years old, his family moved to Fairbanks to a one room cabin in Slaterville.
Gary spent his youth running around Fairbanks with many amazing people who still live here today. He attended Nordale Elementary School as well as Main High School. After graduating, Gary spent time touring Europe on his motorcycle with his best friend, Doug. He also bought his first '55 Chevy and started a life-long love of cars.
In 1969 he met the first love of his life, Shirley. They married in May 1970, and had three children, Tammy, Chris and Kurtis. Gary and Shirley had a wonderful life together. They traveled to many places so Gary could indulge in his love of scuba diving. During their time together they moved the family cabin on the Salcha River three times. It was during the third move that they finally gave in and fell in love with the Salcha River. They spent years making it their home away from home.
Gary always said he was lucky to have fallen in love twice. After Shirley passed away in 2003, he met Jill Garrett who he affectionately referred to as the "neighbor." They were married in June 2007. They continued traveling as well as spending time at the cabins. Together they loved being grandparents as well as spending time with their numerous friends. Gary was known as "Daddy G" to Jill's daughter, Tina. It was not only his nickname, it was his rap name too. That always made him smile.
Gary was a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. He took over the family business, Nash Plumbing & Heating, after his dad retired. He ran the successful business for 30 years. His work can still be found in too many buildings and homes to count.
Gary was active in the local antique auto club which was named "The Vernon L. Nash Antique Auto Club of Fairbanks" after his dad passed away. Gary's love of antique cars, specifically his beloved '55 Chevy "Nashty," carried throughout his life. He enjoyed the weekly "Wednesday Night Tour" through Pioneer Park and around Fairbanks where stops were made at many tourist destinations. He loved talking to people and sharing his beautiful cars. He also was a yearly figure in the Golden Days Parade beginning when his children were babies and continuing until his health precluded him from participating.
Gary was active in the Pioneers of Alaska. He spent hours moving chairs and running the bar at the Annual Pioneer Mug Up. He was president of the club twice and filled all the other elected posts as well. He also was voted Pioneer King Regent in 2007. He loved Alaska and was proud to call it home for 68 years.
Gary was proud of his three children. Family always came first with him. His home was a gathering place for everyone as it was always filled with good food and great company. Not only did he raise his children, but he also was a father figure to his nephews as well as numerous other kids. His love of life and his amazing capacity to love touched so many. He loved being a father and later a grandfather. He was always the happiest when he was with his loved ones.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Evelyn Nash; his brother, James Nash; his wife, Shirley Nash, as well as his niece, Michelle Lopez.
He is survived by his wife, Jill Nash; his daughter, Tammy (Nash) Axelsson and son-in-law, Hans Axelsson; son, Christopher Nash, and fiancé Mechelle Norman; son, Kurtis Nash; stepdaughter, Tina Garrett, and fiancé Jason Carroll; granddaughters, Hannah, Emma, Annika, and Maggie; nephew, Joe Nash, and wife Candy; nephew, James Nash; niece, Shawn Rodriguez, and her husband, Carmelo, as well as numerous great nephews, nieces and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at the Elks Lodge, 1003 Pioneer Road.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pioneer of Alaska Igloo No. 4 Foundation, P.O. Box 70145, Fairbanks, AK 99707.