Gary Bruce Voerman

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University of North Carolina University of Pennsylvania

Gary Voerman Obituary

Gary Bruce Voerman

Garrett Bruce Voerman passed away November 10, 2019 after a two year courageous battle with pancreatic cancer at age 72.

Gary was born in Poughkeepsie, NY July 24, 1947. Graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, BA in Biology, proud member of U.P. Glee Club; University of North Carolina, MSPH Environmental Public Health. He was drafted during the Vietnam War and served in the United State Army Medical Corps although he strongly opposed the war. He retired from the Environmental Protection Agency. After retirement he worked another eight years for Seattle City Light in the Environmental Division. Gary was a manager admired for his ability to mentor, support and inspire by example the staffs and interns he managed over the years. He had a generous spirit and a lifelong dedication to the environment.

Gary had a love of all nature and outdoor activities especially sailing. His favorite times were at the Oregon Coast with grandchildren and family. He enjoyed travel all over the world, the symphony, and was an avid chess player.

Gary is survived by his wife of 29 years, Gaynel; stepchildren Darcie (Michael), Todd, Jon; Poppy to beloved grandchildren Ingamar, Ingrid, Una; a loving East Coast family, sisters Sharon and Cheryl Voerman, Sue Montalto (Gary); nephew Daniel, nieces Heidi, Heather, Tricia; extended family and friends. Preceded in death by baby daughter Adrianne and his parents, Gerald and Mary Voerman. Gary's unfailing integrity, his love of family, concern for the welfare of everyone his life touched, conveyed to all the ability of one person to make a positive difference in this world. Remembrance may be given to Shoreline Community College Foundation, 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Ste #1005 - Admin. Bldg., Shoreline, WA 98133-569i6 or https://www.shoreline.edu/foundation

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Published by The Seattle Times on Dec. 1, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Voerman

Sponsored by The Family.

7 Entries

Amy Blethen Lefeat

November 25, 2021

The best boss and wonderful friend. I think of you often and will never forget the lessons you taught me. Thank you for giving me a chance and uplifting me with our working partnership. My friend you've imparted on me a generosity of knowledge and a lifetime bond. You're friend in life and beyond. Amy

Bieker Family

December 3, 2019

Dear Gary, May you rest in peace and know how much you are loved.

Bieker Family

December 3, 2019

Gary always felt like family, he was a great guy who we will all miss terribly. He was a kind and thoughtful person and a good friend. He was always willing to share his knowledge and time with others, we all learned a lot from him. He was also a great role model for my 4 boys growing up. In our basketball family where there has always been a huge emphasis on height, I remember Gary telling one of my boys that it was more important that he was a good person than a tall person. He was so right!. Gary was passionate about education, and always had great advise for my boys when they were applying for College. He loved baseball and going to watch the Mariners play. Gary was also a darn good chess player, he is the only person I've ever played against who beat me in 5 quick moves with his just his horses.
I will cherish the fun memories of time spent with Gary and Gaynel in Seattle, Portland and at the beach.
Thank you Gary
Love Jacqui Bieker and Family.

December 2, 2019

Gary was a good friend and we had a lot of memorable times together with Gaynel over the years. He will be missed by many.
Penny Luening

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Amy Blethen (Lefeat)

December 1, 2019

Gary will be missed in my life going forward. He was the best manager and mentor I have had in my career. He was easy going even it seemed things around him we're falling apart. He taught to view every block in my way from all angles and I can fight the good fight even against the odds. I am saddened by the thought we were both fighting cancer but in our own separate lives. Thank you for hiring me, it made a difference in my life!!

Sharon Voerman

December 1, 2019

I miss my brother. He was passionate about all those things that mattered to him most: his family, the environment, traveling, nature, music, and showing kindness and love to all. I was lucky to have the best brother ever.

Rebecca Glasscock

December 1, 2019

I'm so sorry. I've known Gary since 1978, when we entered UNC-Chapel Hill's graduate program in Environmental Management and Protection. He was arguably the smartest person in our cohort and also one of the kindest. In his career, working to protect the water and fisheries, he was a tireless warrior for the earth. Like a pebble thrown into a pond, the ripples of his good works will continue.

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