Gary Beckwith

In Loving Memory of Gary Beckwith

September 28, 1934 – August 24, 2025

Born in Seattle to Glen and Helen (Bada) Beckwith, Gary entered the world on September 28, 1934, joining his older brother Wayne. He spent his formative years in Magnolia, Kirkland, and Bellevue, where his natural athleticism shone. At Bellevue High School, he lettered in both basketball and baseball, graduating with the class of 1952.

In 1953, Gary joined the U.S. Army, expecting deployment to Korea. Fate had other plans—the ship rerouted to Alaska, where he served in the Alaska Signal Corps, helping build the communication line from Valdez to Glenallen. While stationed there, Gary and his spirited team, the “Wombats,” coached Valdez High School to the state basketball tournament—a testament to his leadership and love of the game.

After his military service, Gary married Michelle Murphy. They moved to San Diego and Gary worked with Kenton Pumps. Together they welcomed three children: Cynthia, Christopher, and Cheryl. They moved back to Washington state for new job at Cascade Machinery and Electric. In 1967, he married Joni Staley, expanding the family with stepdaughter Lesli.

At age 40, Gary boldly reinvented his professional life. In 1979, he co-founded Beckwith and Kuffel Industrial, Inc. with partner Lou Kuffel. Known for sealing deals with a handshake and living by the motto on his office wall—“If you aren’t kind, you are not the right kind”—Gary earned deep respect throughout the business community.

Gary’s passions ran deep. He was an avid outdoorsman, spending cherished time hunting and fishing in Roslyn (his mother’s hometown), Conconully, and Twin Lakes. He proudly flew both the American and Croatian flags at home, honoring his heritage. Annual trips with his brother Wayne, and family to Conconully for hiking, fishing, and hunting were sacred traditions. He also found joy at Bush Point on Whidbey Island and Hood Canal, where he crabbed, clammed, shucked oysters, and fished—often with Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, or Louis Armstrong playing loud enough for the whole beach to enjoy.

A lifetime member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the NRA, Gary embraced community and celebration. He played Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny for Meridian Valley Country Club and for his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews—bringing magic and laughter year after year. Known for his legendary handshakes, tight hugs, and wicked sense of humor, Gary was the heart of every gathering. He had a rare gift for making everyone feel special and was, without question, the life of the party.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Glen and Helen, and stepfather Art Stolle, his wife Joni, brother Wayne, sister-in-law Inger, grandson Daniel, and step-granddaughter Natasha. He is survived by his former wife Michelle; children Cynthia, Christopher (Danni), Cheryl, and Lesli (Terry); grandchildren Valerie (Mike), Kenny (Mandie), Catalina, Melia (Travis), Megan (Zach), Stephen, and Kristopher; great-grandchildren Terje, Penny, Carla, Kenny Jr., Stephanie, and Everly; bonus granddaughter Summer; and a large extended family of nieces and nephews, all very much loved.

Gary will be laid to rest with Joni at Tahoma National Cemetery, October 28 at 11:30 am, with a celebration of life to follow at Druid’s Glen Golf Course from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary’s honor to Seattle Cancer Alliance, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or St. Jude’s Children Hospital.

In Gary’s memory, please take time to hug the ones you love. His legacy lives on in every laugh, every handshake, and every moment shared around a campfire (Goodnight Irene) or dinner table.