Gary Alan Phinney

Gary Alan Phinney

April 21, 1946 – December 2, 2013

Gary Alan Phinney, 67, of Mill Creek, WA passed away on December 2, 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Ruth, and his loving wife, Joann. He is survived by his three daughters, Heather Fisk, Tamara Shelton, and Rachel Phinney; 5 grandchildren; and brother, Douglas Phinney.

Growing up, Gary frequently moved with his military family. He graduated from high school in Rapid City, SD in 1964 and worked in the Forest Service in the Hungry Horse Ranger District (MT) for several summers. He attended Montana State University where he met Joann Roediger. They were married in Shelby, MT in 1967. In 1968, Gary graduated with a degree in physics and then joined the US Air Force. He had assignments in TX, MS, OH, Okinawa, the Philippines, OR, IL, Norway and the Netherlands. He worked as an Electronics Systems Officer in the communications, electronics, and computer systems career field.  In 1989, he retired as a major from McChord AFB (Tacoma, WA). He then began his career at Boeing (Renton, WA) where he was a planner and engineer for 24 years before retiring in 2013.

Gary loved sports, particularly the Seahawks, Huskies, Canucks, and Vikings. During his lifetime, he traveled the world and took pride in knowing a few words and phrases in many different languages. Both he and Joann were involved in their church. Gary enjoyed studying history, the Bible, astronomy, and sports trivia. Gary loved the Lord, his family, and friends.  His presence will be missed.

If you would like to make a donation in remembrance of Gary, please consider the following ministries:

–  Kitale Children’s Home/Jason & Amy Beagle (Kenya):  https://christianrelieffund.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=298. 

In the “Comments” section write “Kitale Children’s Home.”  You may also call 1-800-858-4038.

–  Northwest Compassion Foundation at Canyon Hills Community Church:  www.canyonhillscommunitychurch.com.