Gary Piesik

Gary Piesik 75, passed away peacefully at his home in Redmond on December 11, 2016. He was born in Glendive Montana on June 19, 1941 to Joe and Ann Piesik. He returned with his family to Seattle at a very young age. He attended Bishop Blanchet High School. Immediately after graduation he joined the Marine Corp serving in Vietnam. After his honorable discharge, Gary attended college in Arizona. His interest in math and computers lead him to a long career in a then new and exciting industry of computer science. Gary met and married Peggy (Margaret) his wife of 44 years in St. Paul, MN. In 1982 he was recruited by Sea First Bank to write the software of their first ATM machines and the family moved to Seattle. After many successful years working for IBM and Sea First Bank, Gary founded Excell Data Corporation in Seattle. After the sale of Excell Corporation, Gary had the joy of living his dream when he and Peggy purchased a 50-acre farm in Redmond. He spent the next 15 years happily owning and running Serenity Ranch. One of his favorite activities was getting a group of friends together and riding his beloved horse Snowman to the Starbucks in Redmond.

Gary is survived by his wife Peggy, daughter Bridget Darrow (Blake) and granddaughter Holly. He leaves a sister Joanne Cady of Auburn, nieces Colleen, Nikki, nephews Mark, Matt and their children. Cousin Carol (Greg) Karalus and her children.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gary's name to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign.

A celebration of his life will be held on January 15, 2:00pm at Trilogy at Redmond Ridge, 23225 Greens Crossing Road, Redmond 98053.

Sign Gary's on-line

Guest Book at www.Legacy.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Dec. 15 to Dec. 18, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Piesik

Sponsored by The Family.

12 Entries

Carol Gregg

December 21, 2020

I am a cousin of Gary in Seattle, and can attest to both the skunk story, and the bull ride story about Gary. I remember he had a pet skunk (stink gland removed) when he was living in Seattle years ago. I was in grade school at the time. The skunk's name was Miffy - probably it was this same skunk! Cute little thing....with really sharp teeth! I also remember the framed "$3.47 check" which Gary had earned and then hung on his wall to commemorate that bull ride! Good memories! Gary definitely made life fun! We all still miss him.

Frank Datta

December 10, 2020

Gary was a very unique man and I know he loved Montana and had a lot of good times when he was here. He loved to do crazy things while here. Two come to my mind.......He and another cousin Jim Witkowski managed to catch a skunk one day and they put it in a sack and took it home. Needless to say, they did not have a lot of contact with people for several days. He was also in Wibaux during a rodeo and somehow he got signed up for the bull riding event. I don't remember how long he stayed on, but he didn't break any bones. He was special.

Bob Earp

August 4, 2017

Very sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I went to grade school at St. Alphonsus with Gary and Ballard High School.

Although, we have not had any contact since our late teens Gary was a good friend slurring that time.

David Watts

January 15, 2017

I was very sad to read of Gary's passing. I know that he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Way back in the early days of Excell Data Corp., Gary and I rented space in the same shared office space near Northgate. My mother's family was from Miles City so I could related to Gary's love of riding and horses. We had many interesting conversations on a wide-range of topics because we were both early software services/high-tech pioneers.

Gary got very frustrated with Excell at one point and said he wanted to sell the business to me and return to Montana. In a short period of time things straightened themselves out, he became much happier, and stuck it out.

I really enjoyed talking with Gary. I wish that we had stayed in touch.

With sympathy,
Dave Watts

January 15, 2017

Had planned on attending the celebration of Gary's life today, but Joann is not well today. My thoughts & prayers are with you and yours, Peggy. Regards, SueAnn Montgomery

Sherry

January 8, 2017

I am very sorry to hear of Gary's passing !! I am sending love and support to you Peggy and your family.

Working for Gary at the ranch in Redmond I have to say it was the best time, the best job !! Gary was always generous to all of us from buying coffee at starbucks in the mornings, taking us all to Reno and always generous with his time and knowledge of running a ranch and working with the horses. I am thankful for that and the great memories.

January 1, 2017

So sorry to hear about Gary as he was my cousin. He used to stop and visit when he was in Wibaux and Glendive. He was a very unique individual and I always enjoyed visiting with him. He has about a dozen cousins that live in this area and I will get word to them about his death. I would appreciate a mailing address for Peggy as would like to send a card. Again, my sympathy.
Frank Datta
Wibaux, Montana

Wendy Kelly

December 20, 2016

Dear Peggy,
The friendship you and Gary shared with my mom (Shirley) was a great blessing for so many years. Please join me in imagining their laughter upon meeting again. True condolences are sent from my heart to those of you and your family.
Much Love,
Wendy

Carol Gregg Karalus

December 19, 2016

Gary was a kind, gentle, and thoughtful soul, and always a kid at heart. He was not only my cousin and Godfather, but a true friend. He will be greatly missed. Our loss is heaven's gain.

December 17, 2016

First of all, Patti and I would would like to express our sincere condolences to peggy and family for Gary's loss.

Gary and I were friends for over 60 years. It started at St. Alphonsus grade school in the 1950's and we had many good times together over the years. We joined the Marines and went to boot camp together in June 1960. He was the "Best Man" at our wedding in August 1966 and we also had some good times meeting for lunch in the last few years

Sincerely.
Jim Fisher, Shoreline, Wa.

December 17, 2016

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Kass Smith

December 16, 2016

I met Gary thru my friendship with Peggy. I loved how Gary would tease me with that twinkle in his eye. I knew he really like me. I will miss you Gary; but know your in our Lord's loving care; at home for all eternity.

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