Remembering Gary ‘G-Man’ Elliott, 1961-2016

| Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

A celebration of life is planned on February 13th for Gary Elliott, whose family is sharing this remembrance:

Gary “G-Man” Lee Elliott, 54, of West Seattle, passed away unexpectedly and much too young, Saturday, January 16, 2016 at his vacation home in Sunset Beach, CA.

Gary is survived by his wife and best friend of 37 years, Camille, daughter Tanya Gardiner, son Terry Elliott, son-in-law Hamilton Gardiner, sister Dee Strecker, brother Steve Elliott, mother/father in-law Jean and Don Duncan, and many loving nephews, nieces and extended family. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Marie Elliott, and brother, Kevin Elliott. Gary was a loving father, husband, and best friend to all he met.

Gary provided inspirational adventures while working to check items off his bucket list: captaining his Chris Craft yacht, retro motor home trips, leading the Tahuya Parade with his fire truck, riding his Harley at Sturgis, homes at Sunset Beach, Hood Canal and Lake Washington, owning a tractor, the West Seattle Junction Court art piece, and daily hot tub-coffee-walks around the island with Camille.

Gary loved remodeling and fixing his homes (and the homes of his many friends and family) and worked as a painter for his entire life after being given a paintbrush by his father at an early age. He also enjoyed managing the EPM apartments with his kids, traveling, and trying anything once because “Life is full of experiences and they all can’t be good!” Gary was a fun-loving and immensely creative individual, one of the most generous persons you would ever meet, always willing to pick up a tab, and always there to help friends with house projects or whatever else they needed. Gary was most proud of his kids, who will miss him and carry on his inspirational legacy.

A celebration of life will be held at Rainier Golf & Country Club, 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 13, 2016. Gary’s ashes will be laid to rest at two of his favorite homes, Lake Washington and Sunset Beach. Donations in memory of Gary can be made to the West Seattle Fraternal Order of Eagles (Auxiliary #2643), where he was proud to be a long-standing member.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Wendy January 31, 2016 (7:42 pm)

Oh Gary. You are and will always be so missed. We enjoyed great times with you on the North Shore of Hood Canal, West Seattle, Disneyland, Portland, a quick visit to your “hood” in Sunset Beach and an all night party on Lake Washington. “Gosh Darn” we were so looking forward to you and Camille visiting us this April. You are forever in our hearts. You are an inspiration to both Wayne and me to live LARGE, enjoy every day and to get some kind of boat on the water over here on the Windward coast. Love and aloha to Camille, Tonya & Hamilton, Terry & Corrine and ALL of your family and friends.

Carol Williams January 31, 2016 (9:30 pm)

What a lovely tribute to Gary. What an amazing family.

Terri Gearon Moini February 1, 2016 (8:08 am)

Its been years since I seen Gary, but West Seattle school memories are still planted. My condolences goes to Gary’s wife Camille and family. My prayers are with you all during this sadden time. RIP Gary Elliott.🙏

Gina February 1, 2016 (8:43 am)

The fire engine art in front of the Junction apartment building was epic.

WSB February 1, 2016 (8:48 am)

I didn’t make the connection until your comment. We covered that in 2011, with stories including https://westseattleblog.com/2011/03/followup-fire-truck-gone-from-the-lawn – TR

LN February 1, 2016 (10:19 am)

I went to High School with Gary and only saw him occasionally out and about in West Seattle over the years. Although our conversations were brief, they would always be filled with lighthearted goodness and especially laughter.

Mattie February 1, 2016 (1:30 pm)

Gary managed the apartment building that my mom and I lived in and where I grew up. At one point we were considering moving and he asked us what he could do to keep us there. Being a teenage girl, I mentioned I would love to have a painted bedroom and sure enough the next weekend Gary came and painted my bedroom yellow at my request. I’m sure he would later have to paint it back to white which only adds to what a kind gesture it was. He was a great person and I’m sending my condolences to his family.

Shaughne February 1, 2016 (4:55 pm)

To Camille, Tanya and Terry and all family and loving friends…I only know Gary thru my amazing friend, Dee, Gary’s sister, and we all feel that there are no words that describe the loss you all are feeling of one amazing and incredible father, brother, uncle, best friend and loving person…may he rest in peace and watch above you all for some type of comfort, he spreads love and warmth around you all…xoxo Shaughne

The Gai Family February 1, 2016 (7:07 pm)

To the Elliot Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

The Peterson's February 3, 2016 (10:50 am)

Our condolences to the Elliott Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

The Peterson Family

lisa skube February 3, 2016 (10:50 pm)

Camille – its been too long, oddly you came to mind recently. I do believe – decades ago, there was a first date in a LaBaron station wagon, with fake wood paneling, that sealed the fate of a very long love with your best friend, taken far too soon. My heart is with you dear friend. – Lisa Skube

Alison Kutz February 12, 2016 (6:24 pm)

Camille, our condolences to your family. I am so sorry to hear this. Gary was a fun loving guy. I am just an old high school friend, but I wanted to let you know how magnetic his personality was and how he affected those around him. I am sure you are a radiant being yourself….. and I wish you and your beautiful family the best. Our hearts are with you! Alison Kutz

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