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Gary Sundt Obituary
November 25, 1947 - December 29, 2023
Olympia, Washington - Gary Sundt passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, after a brief battle with cancer. He is preceded in death by his father, Chester Sundt; mother, Norma Sundt and twin brother, Gordon Sundt. He is survived by his sister, Diane Sundt Christie (Bill Christie), two nieces who were like daughters to him, Devon and Mindy (Erik), and great niece, Zahra, who he absolutely adored. He is also survived by many longtime friends and neighbors.
Gary attended Queen Anne High School, graduating in 1966 and was a member of the varsity football team; City Champs of '65. Gary joined the Army after high school and served with the 720th Military Police Battalion where he traveled to Frankfurt, Germany pulling white hat duty with the 709th Military Police Battalion. Upon his return from Vietnam, he attended Washington State University and obtained a BA in Criminology. Go Cougs!
In 1971, Gary joined the Washington State Patrol where he had various assignments in all 39 counties. His last assignment as a Det. Sgt. was in Narcotics and he loved 'busting meth labs.' Gary retired in 1997, but continued to support new cadets through mentorship after his retirement. He then moved to Forks, where he enjoyed fishing on the Sol Duc River, and then returned to Olympia five years later.
Over the years, Gary loved spending time with his three Brittany Spaniels and took them fishing and on runs at Fort Lewis. He loved to travel and attend military reunions all over the country. He loved fishing, crabbing and cooking.
In 2023, Gary was awarded the Bronze Medal for his acts of courage in combat as an MP. He was humble about his bravery overseas, but we know this ultimate recognition meant a lot to him and to those with whom he served.
Gary requested no services be held. His wishes were to be cremated and his ashes scattered in his ideal spot. Gary's family would like to thank Providence Hospice for their caring acts during his final days. "Ole fisherman never die, they just move to another drift up river."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Sundt
john herrling
February 29, 2024
We had good times fishing and crabbing together and road sides while we were still working the road although we worked for different departments. Miss you buddy.
Chris Hamlin
February 20, 2024
I always do this; decide to reach out to an old friend and then it´s too late. I attended Queen Anne with Gary until I dropped out to go into the Army. We met again in Hanau, Germany and then spent a great deal of time together with Gordy at Shoreline College. Unfortunately, after Shoreline as I was moving around in Federal service and the Army. Gary was always a great person who believed very strongly Law Enforcement professionalism. I salute your exemplary life.
COL Chris Hamlin, USA, Ret
Bradd Reynolds
February 5, 2024
Trooper Sundt... Thank you for your service to your community, the police profession, WSP and you're country.
Bruce Fee
January 27, 2024
Speaking on behalf of schoolmates going back to kindergarten (ca. 1953) you will be missed by all. Thanks for the memories of childhood summer sleepovers when your dad would don a sheet to scare the bajeezus out of us, fishing at Magnolia beach to see who could catch the biggest bullhead, our first experience golfing at the Greenlake Pitch and Putt, going to church camp at Pilgrim Firs, working together at Tradewell (our first jobs), and later on the many fun golf tournaments you hosted that came to be known as the Yelm Classic (a place many of us had a hard time finding....kind of like Brigadoon). You bore the burden of your illness like a true hero. Love you brother.
RIP Sarge.....
Lynne (Raymond) Lehmer
January 25, 2024
Gary, you were my cousin. I remember your mom telling me you flew helicopter in the service. I think I remember this right. Maybe it was Gordy. I have fond memories of visiting your family when I was young. Cancer is a rough thing to go through. At least now you feel no pain. Life is short compared to the millions and millions this planet has known life. We live it the best we can and I´m sure you did that.
Ron Dohr
January 21, 2024
Ron Dohr
January 21, 2024
Ron Dohr
January 21, 2024
Two of my fond memories of being a neighbor of Gary in Lynnwood - annual salmon bbq and when my wife made a sweatshirt for Gary celebrating when he first became "sarge" Gary, just for you as a Husky, I will say "Go Cougs"!
Ron Dohr
January 21, 2024
Gary was a long-time neighbor in Lynnwood back in the late 70's & early 80's. What an absolutely wonderful person, friend, neighbor. Gary had an annual salmon bbq in his backyard and yes, our cats were invited too! Living across the street we would always kid one another (he being a Coug and my wife and I Huskies) and hang sarcastic banners on one another's garages after the Apple Cup. My wife made Gary a Sweatshirt with Sarge on It when he first got promoted - so many memories buddie. Fish on and God Bless, Ron
January 15, 2024
Gary, we served on missions together in Vietnam and over the years shared some stories. Salute to you, fellow
Soldier-of-the-Gauntlet. - Skip Brown, A Co/720th MPs
Clayton
January 15, 2024
Thanks for taking me fishing on the river in your drifter boat. I have fond memories of you teaching me how to fish for Steelhead. It was a fun adventure.
Clayton
Devon
January 14, 2024
I love you, Uncle Gary!
XO, Devon
Bill
January 14, 2024
Rest In Peace, Bro (in-law).
Bill
Diane Sundt Christie
January 9, 2024
Hey little brother ...
I know now you are truly at rest.
We´ve had such a journey, you and I. In the last while, we became close friends with a shared history. We understood each other, points of view, our life´s circumstances.
Both Bill and I are grateful to have been with you as you transitioned.
From your big sis, Diane
`We are all just walking each other home.´ Rumí
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