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Gary Watanabe Obituary
Gary, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away Friday, Jan. 20, 2012, from pancreatic cancer. He transitioned into eternity with his wife tenderly holding his hand and his children and granddaughter surrounding him. While the loss is painful there is comfort in knowing Gary accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was recently baptized into the Christian faith.
Gary is survived by his wife, Debbie, their children, Alisa (Joe, granddaughter Adelaide), Alaina, Christopher and sister Sharon (Bob).
Viewing Thurs., Jan. 26, 6:00-8:00pm and Fri., 1 hour prior to service, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1441 Tamarack Rd., Taylorsville, UT. Funeral services will be Fri., Jan. 27, 11:00am, Prince of Peace Church. Interment at Washington Heights Memorial Park Fri. afternoon.
The Watanabe family would like to thank the many family and friends for their gifts of kindness, caring and support. Each of you shared gifts that will be tucked away in our hearts and souls forever.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Watanabe
Rhonda Fullmer
February 20, 2012
I was saddened to hear about Gary. He used to deliver our office mail with a hello, a smile, and a wave every day. Such a very happy man to see daily, and he did his job well. He is missed.
Jodie Simons
January 29, 2012
I was very sorry to hear about Gary - I really enjoyed talking with him as he delivered my mail. He was such a nice person.
He alwasys talked lovingly about his family.
I have missed seeing him and was very sad to hear that he had passed away.
Jodie Simons
Elaine Zambos
January 27, 2012
Watanabe Family,
I am so sorry for your loss! Gary worked for me at both Millcreek and Hollady Post Office and he was a great carrier and a kind man! He was too young to leave all of you but know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. And remember that "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."
Gary Luke
January 26, 2012
So sorry to hear about your loss. Gary is a good man. I worked with him at the Holladay Post Office for several years; he was well-respected and will be missed.
Matt Longaker
January 26, 2012
Watanabe family,
I worked with Gary years ago and he left a wonderful impression on me. His spirit of goodness spread to all around him. Though I hadn't seen him in years I will always think fondly of Gary, a wonderful man.
Kim Jorgensen Family
January 26, 2012
"When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure!!!!! Hold that treasure dear to your heart and you will find comfort.
So sorry for your loss."
Hope Loudenslager-George
January 26, 2012
Dear Watanabe Family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Gary. I went to school with Gary and will always have fond/fun memories of him. He was one of the best! His fun loving personality will always be remembered.
Adam Bascom
January 25, 2012
Gary Buddy!
He was one of the good ones. I don't think there was anyone that didn't like and respect Gary. He was one of the few people I could call a friend from work. All of my love to his family. Know that he is with our Saviour and he will be waiting for when you all can be together again.
Lani and David Roberts
January 25, 2012
To the Watanabe Family: I am so sad to hear of Gary's passing. I thought of him often. I have a lot of happy memories and I am so glad to have known him. I worked with him at Pardners restaurant many years ago. I am sorry that we lost touch through the years. I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Katy Greenwood
January 25, 2012
Gary was my parents Dan and Laurel Greenwood best man at their wedding in 1973. My Dad always had the best stories about him. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Now they can all be together again.
Danielle Lingwall
January 24, 2012
Debbie, Alisa, Joe, Alaina, and Christopher. I'm so sorry you have to go through this. No words can take the pain away but know that he will ALWAYS be with you and watching over you! Remember the good times and cherish the the memory's you have of him. your hearts will heal in time. He was such a nice caring man and and i remember him from before i starting working with Alisa. He always shopping in his uniform. and then i met your family and love you guys. He will be missed by all those knew him.
Your All in my thoughts and prayers. I know I keep saying this but I mean it I LOVE YOU!!
January 24, 2012
Dear Watanabe family, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very hard time in your life. May you feel the peace that only our Savior can give as you mourn the loss of Gary. Gary was always one that tried to make you feel at home whenever you came to your house and always offered you something to eat or drink. He was a great guy and we will miss him. Love Aunt Beth and Uncle Dean
Mike Carey
January 24, 2012
I had the privilege of working with Gary years ago and always thought highly of him. He was a genuinely nice person. Mike Carey
January 24, 2012
To The Watanabe Family My Family Knew this wonderful spirit for many years. My brothers worked with him at Pardners Restaurant for many years and he came to many functions with our family. He was such a wonderful man always had a smile and kind words for everyone. We are all so very sad to know he has left. Our deepest Sympathies go out to all of you.God guiding and loving you always.
The West Family
John Lopez
January 24, 2012
Gary was truly one of the best Letter Carriers I have had the privilege of working with and knowing. A very sincere, caring, considerate and kind man. Thank you Watanabe family for sharing him with the rest of us, we are all better people because of Gary. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lynn Beecher
January 24, 2012
To the Watanabe family. I was a very good friend of Gary all through school. I lived down the street from his home and later moved across the street from Sharon and Bob. Gary and I had a lot of fun growing up together. I pray the Lord will bless Debbie, the children and grand children to get through this difficult time. I will never forget this good friend.
Charlie Yamashita
January 24, 2012
With my deepest sympathy. Gary and I went to school together at Ben Lomond. Such a fun loving, hard working guy. For our wedding he gave us a pot that he had thrown. I still have it to this day, 32 years ago. Rest in peace my friend.
amber tucker
January 24, 2012
Watanabe Family, I am deeply sorry for this loss. He was an amazing man. I didn't know him as well as I wish I did. But he will never be forgotten.
Barbara Steele
January 24, 2012
Debbie, I am so sorry to hear about Gary! He was a great guy. I am very glad you have you faith to get you through. Hope to see you soon.
Love
Aunt Barbara
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