CARY WEBB TOLMAN

1936 - 2017

June 16, 1936 -
June 12, 2017

Cary Webb Tolman, 80, of Anacortes, died peacefully in his sleep on June 12, 2017, four days short of his eighty-first birthday.

He was a news photographer for the Seattle PI for 37 years, covering a period that spanned the growth of Seattle from the World's Fair of the 60's to the emerging tech boom of the 90's. He covered debutante balls, presidential visits, anti-war riots and everything in between. A highlight was the wonderful PLU Crew Row Down of 1967. He worked in black and white, and spent many hours in the darkroom perfecting his pictures. His special skill was being able to tell a complete story in a single photograph.

Over the years, Cary's avocations included but were not limited to hiking, cross-country skiing, bicycling, sports car racing, mountain climbing, boat building, traveling and especially sailing. His favorite sailboat was his San Juan 24, named Quiet Desperation.

He was born in Oakland, California to William and Ruby Tolman, the second of three sons. He spent his childhood years in Stockton, CA, then was a resident student at Concordia Academy in Oakland before moving to Seattle for his senior year of high school at Roosevelt. He attended the University of Washington, where he made lifelong friends at the Canterbury Club.

After a stint as a draftsman at Boeing, he made his way to the PI, starting as a copy boy, and working his way up to award-winning photographer, retiring in 1995.

Cary spent the last 15 years of his life in Anacortes with his companion of 28 years, Pat Steffani, enjoying the many wonderful things that Anacortes offers. He and Pat have delivered Meals on Wheels for 14 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Craig.

He is survived by his brother Charles; nephews: Richard, Peter and Eric (Debra) their children: Hannah, Sadie & Daniel; niece: Jeannette (Jeff Lough), their daughters: Robin & Madeline; all Canadians.

He is also survived by Pat's daughters: Ellen (Steve Merrill) of Bothell, Mary (Mark Chrisman) of Seattle, and Katie (Bob McDade) of Anacortes, as well as grandchildren: McKenzie and Hannah Merrill, Jace and Davis Ramerman, and Henry McDade.

A Memorial Gathering and Celebration of Life will take place later in the summer.

Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel of Anacortes, WA.

To share a memory of Cary, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.