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BORN

1967

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Gaffney Funeral Home

1002 S. Yakima Ave.

Tacoma, Washington

Gary Downing Obituary

Gary Downing Gary Argene Downing passed away on Monday, August 21, 2017, at the age of 49. He was born in Dillon, Montana and attended Mead High School in Spokane, where he enjoyed being the quarterback of the football team and throwing the javelin in track. He graduated from Washington State University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing, and moved to Los Angeles, where he started his sales career with Evergreen Aviation. After traveling the world, he moved to Tigard, Oregon and began a career with Bankers Life and Casualty, where he remained until he had to retire in 2013 due to the complications of ALS. Gary was awarded the Rookie Sales Agent of the Year for Bankers. He quickly moved up into management and served as a top branch manager, a regional director, an executive council member, and the go-to-guy for sales training videos and conferences. Gary was an avid elk hunter, fisherman, and golfer, with a quick wit and infectious laugh. He was known for his innertube rides on the lake, his skill at grilling steaks and brussel sprouts, and his passion for tailgating. Gary is survived by his wife Kristin (Zemek); four daughters, Megan, Jenna, Kaitlyn, and Ally; parents Ken and Terri Downing; sisters Jolene Downing (Michelle) and Lynn Stapleton (Brian); and brother Troy Downing. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 31, 2017, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Gary's name to the ALS Association Evergreen Chapter, 19226 66th Ave S, Suite L-105, Kent, WA 98032. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.

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

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Aug. 27, 2017.

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5 Entries

Richard Dary

August 29, 2017

Cathy and I send our condolences to Kristin and his kids. I met Gary when I tried selling insurance for Bankers. Although I wasn't very good at it he always made me feel important. RIP GARY.

August 28, 2017

We didn't know Gary that well, but our memories of when we did spend time with him, are treasured.Through Krista we felt like we knew him. What a great man. Loving husband, great dad, wonderful friend to many, I am sure. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to you at this sad time.
With our love and hugs...
Dan and Sheryl Jorgensen

Susan Bernstein

August 28, 2017

Gary touched and changed so many lives. He often spoke of the Legacy we leave. I can't think of another man I know that left such a loving legacy. I am a better person for knowing and loving Gary and being a part of his Bankers family.I hope that during this hard time his family know they were and are loved, and Gary will be watching over them and protecting them...same as he did here on earth. RIP Gary

Susan Collier (Bernstein)

Hans Scheil

August 27, 2017

Gary was a great leader and mentor to many. He will be missed.

Brian Guild

August 27, 2017

Always looked forward to seeing Gary at convention. Knew if he was around, there would be a good time to be had. Your family is in my prayers.

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Memorial Events
for Gary Downing

Aug

31

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church

WA

Funeral services provided by:

Gaffney Funeral Home

1002 S. Yakima Ave., Tacoma, WA 98405

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