James Gary DAVEY

James Gary Davey "Gary" passed away on August 14, 2021 at the age of 87. Gary, the only child of Thomas and Lenore Davey, was born in a cab on the way to the hospital in Vancouver, BC, Canada on December 17, 1933. He grew up in Spokane, Washington and spent the rest of his life there. As a teenager, Gary worked part time for the Northern Pacific Railroad (following in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather). "Railroading" became a great pastime for Gary. Gary also developed a passion for "Hot Rods." His Ford Model A from the 1930's was his favorite. Many summer outings were spent tooling Riverside with his family in the rumble seat of that Model A. Gary was a very proud Rogers High School Pirate, and during that time, Gary's best friend, Jimmy Frye, introduced Gary to his sister, Carol Ann, and thus began a courtship that resulted in 64 years of marriage between Gary and Carol. High school best friends became brothers-in-law. Sadly, Jimmy recently passed away one month after Gary. Soon after graduating from high school, Gary proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Hancock during the Korean War/Conflict. After his military service, Gary resumed his 43-year career with the Northern Pacific Railroad (later the Burlington Northern Railroad). Gary loved to talk (with some fish tales thrown in here and there). He loved the outdoors (especially creek fishing at the family cabin). He loved jazz music and in his younger days he played piano by ear. He enjoyed wearing his many Navy hats, and he loved many varieties of hot sauce (the hotter the better). Gary always wore his trademark pin-striped overalls. He was a dedicated spectator and cheerleader at the finish line of the annual Bloomsday Run (he only missed the very first Bloomsday). Gary considered the staff at the Calico Kitchen Restaurant in Spokane as his second family and the table and chair always reserved for Gary now sits empty. The staff placed a bottle of Gary's signature hot sauce blend, some Log Cabin Syrup, his special coffee mug, and a note in memoriam at his old spot. Gary is survived by his wife Carol, his daughter Sandy Henschel (Ken), his son Mark, his grandson Shawn Henschel, his granddaughter Kara Henschel, his sister-in-law Darlene Erickson, and numerous cousins in various Canadian provinces. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, including his many friends and his beloved cat Butch. A Memorial Service will be held, fittingly, on Veteran's Day, Thursday, November 11 at 1:30 p.m. at Sunset Chapel at Fairmount Cemetery in Spokane.