Gary Dan Box

1929 - 2016

Gary Dan Box

Gary Dan Box died peacefully Tuesday morning, November 15, 2016 at Swedish Hospital First Hill. He was born in Coulee City, WA December 3, 1929 to Beatrice and Daniel Box. In 1944 the family, including Gary and his younger brother Bennett, moved to Seattle. Gary attended Franklin High School and graduated in 1947. He was active in track and student government. He enrolled in the University of Washington in the fall of 1947, where he was a member of Alpha Delta Phi fraternity.

His National Guard unit was called up for service during the Korean War. Gary was posted at Fort Lewis and Stewart Air Force Base, New York, at the US Military Academy Prep School. A competitive exam showed he was qualified for West Point Academy, but color blindness prevented him from attending. He returned to UW and graduated from law school in 1954. After graduation he moved to Ephrata, WA, practicing law with his grandfather. He served three years as Deputy Prosecutor Attorney followed by five years as City Attorney. While in Ephrata, Gary also engaged in private law practice and was active in Democratic politics.

In 1962 Gary moved to Seattle with his family, which included two sons, Lincoln and Everett, and began working for the Internal Revenue Service as a federal attorney in estate and gift tax. In 1964, Gary's beloved daughter Rebecca June was born. She predeceased him in 2006. After a divorce, Gary met the love of his life, Janice McCowan, in 1982 and they married in 1984. He retired from the IRS in 1989 and began a private practice in Edmonds and later in West Seattle, retiring completely in 1995. In retirement the couple enjoyed traveling in the British Isles, Europe and many places in the US.

Jan and Gary truly enjoyed their family, including Gary's two sons and Jan's son and daughter. They were blessed with five grandchildren whom they treasured, nurtured and traveled with.

Gary will be remembered for his lifelong love of gardening, exercise and learning. He enjoyed politics and culture, had a wonderful sense of humor, combined with humility and wisdom. He often wrote letters to the editor of the Seattle Times. He leaves behind a spirit of thoughtfulness, kindness and generosity. Gary was treasured by all who knew him.

Gary spent his last days at Swedish Hospital First Hill, where he was lovingly attended by the Palliative Care Team. The family thanks them for their compassion as they carried out Gary's final wishes. He died peacefully of Pulmonary Fibrosis with Jan, Lincoln, David and Sarah at his side.

Gary is survived by Jan, his beloved wife of 34 years, sons Lincoln (Kit) and Everett, stepdaughter Sarah Tiegen (Jim), stepson David Moore (Audrey Mandelbaum), granddaughters Jennifer Box, Michelle (Clay) Stoner, Camille Tiegen, Andra Box and grandson Avi Moore. He is also survived by two nephews and a niece.

After the holidays, a celebration of life will be announced.