Tim Gary

1943 - 2025

Tim Gary

February 10, 1943 - January 15, 2025

Lakewood, Washington - Tim Gary was a self made man; a man who wanted to help others and make life better for blue collar workers. He loved his country and served active duty in the Navy, and in the Army Reserves. He also worked at the Bremerton Naval Shipyard. Tim was a man who woke up early with coffee in his hand and was always ready to go with a hearty laugh. He was a man who found love and family with his wife, Sue, and the extended Long family.

Tim was born in 1943 to Aloa Lee and was raised by his Grandma, who instilled in him a strong work ethic and the importance of saving money (maybe that's why he collected coins!)He grew up in Fresno, CA in the heat and rural area of cattle and produce. He loved persimmons, a childhood favorite.

Tim enlisted in the Navy in 1961 at age 18, and served until Jan. 1966, including service in Vietnam. He was an electrician on the USS Chevalier. He became a Drill Sergeant in the Army Reserves with the 104th Division and served for 14 years in WA. He became President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Tim believed in and worked hard for equality for workers.

In 1984 he married the love of his life, Sue Franzmann. He loved her deeply and gave Sue her turn at happiness. He became involved in raising Sue's children, Julie and David. Tim and Sue were very active in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, Together he and Sue were known as the Girl Scout "Cookie People". They encouraged and helped raise boys and girls in the Lakewood area. Sue passed away in 2011 and Tim was heartbroken. Tim loves being a part of Sue's extended large Long Family. He is called "Big Uncle Tim."

He was known for his flannel shirts, suspenders, bandana handkerchiefs and, of course, having a cup of coffee in his hand! He respected guns and gun safety and enjoyed fishing and Hawaii. There are many stories of shooting at the range and teaching gun safety to his granddaughters, trips to Hawaii, spending time in Eastern WA and of course, spending time with his longtime friends, Ron, Stan and Dennis.

Tim is survived by Julie, husband Sean and children Chloe, Cole and Corbin; David and wife Cathy with children Olivia and Fynlee. Tim is also survived by Sue's older children, Tonia and Troy. So many friends and the extended generations of the Long Family will always remember good times, Tim's big laugh and saying goodbye with "You be good. Love you." Tim passed away at home on January 15, 2025

"Goodbye Tim, you be good. Love you."

A Celebration of Tim's life will be held at The Little Church on the Prairie in Lakewood, WA on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 1pm with a reception to follow in the social hall. All who knew Tim are welcome to come and share the stories and how he impacted their lives.