Gary L. Price

Gary L. Price Gary, 74, passed away April 15, 2013 in Olympia, Washington. He was born in Spokane to Everett and Alice Price. He met the love of his life, Lorraine, in high school and they recently celebrated 53 years of marriage. Gary graduated from West Valley High School in Spokane. He joined the US Navy in 1957 and served aboard the U.S.S. Hornet. Upon honorable discharge, he entered Eastern Washington University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. During his 37 years with Puget Sound Energy, he held various positions: Engineer; Local Manager/Distribution Supervisor; Manager of Customer Services-Southern Division; Manager Energy Services. Upon his appointment as Local Manager of the PSE Puyallup office, he was quoted by Puget Power News: “It takes a special type of person for customer service work—someone who can keep a calm, cool head and can listen.” His natural sense of humor was an important quality during his entire life. In his leisure time, he also enjoyed years of coaching little league baseball and youth soccer, and tooling leather. As a respected professional, Gary chaired and served on many boards and numerous community organizations: Cle Elum Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis; Board of Directors North Bend Chamber of Commerce; Vice President of Snoqualmie Valley-North Bend Kiwanis Club; Fall City Businessmen’s Association; President of the Puyallup and the Lacey Chamber of Commerce; Business and Economic Development Committee Chairman; Lacey Kiwanis Club Board of Directors; Olympia Visitor and Convention Bureau; President of the Hospice Advisory Board for Thurston/Mason Counties; Rotary Club; Black Hills Hospital Diabetic Wellness Center’s Advisory Board. Gary was recognized with several leadership awards: Puget Sound Energy Non-Sales Person Award; Puyallup Chamber Citizen of the Year; Puyallup Elks Lodge Citizen of the Year; Puyallup Public Schools Vocational Education Programs Certificate of Appreciation; Lacey Thurston County Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award. In retirement, Gary remained active in his Homeowner’s Association as Board President and Treasurer, and became an avid reader. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine; his son, Russ (wife, Cindy); two grandchildren, Lauren and Alex; his brother, Tom (wife, Carol); nieces, Melissa and Allison; nephew, Rob; sisters-in-law, Carol (husband, Bill) and Kathy (husband, Pete); cousins, Bob, Ken, Dennis, Megan, Sandy, Bill and Jan. Gary was preceded in death by his daughter, Sherry Price-Webster; and his parents, Everett and Alice. A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2013 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at South Sound Manor, 455 North Street SE, Tumwater. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the American Diabetes Association or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Please leave memories of Gary or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.