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GARY LEE KISSEL
December 30, 1968 ˜ July 8, 2019
Gary Lee Kissel of Vancouver, WA, passed away at home, after a two-year struggle with lung cancer, on Mon., July 8, 2019, at 10:10 p.m., in the presence of his family. He was born on Dec. 30, 1968 in Las Vegas, NV to Marilyn and Donald Kissel. Gary graduated from Central Kitsap High School in 1987.
He went on to earn his Bachelors of Arts in Psychology (1996) and his Masters of Social Work (2012) at Eastern Washington University.
Gary served in the U.S. Navy Reserve until May 1997, as a Corpsman, mobilized for Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
Gary married Anne Marie Talley in 1998 in Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in Spokane, WA.
He worked as a Chemical Dependency Professional in Washington and later in Oregon. Gary was a counselor for many years before transitioning into management. He ended his career as a Service Director for LifeWorks Northwest.
Gary was trained as a professional opera singer, and served in his church choirs in both Spokane and Vancouver. He was a Black Belt in Tae-Kwon-Do and was proud to have his entire family also involved.
Gary loved spending time with friends and family. He loved science fiction and fantasy, in particular Star Trek. His favorite author was David Eddings.
Gary is survived by his wife, Anne Marie Kissel; son, Rafael Lee (age 10); and daughter, Mariah Anne (age 8); his parents; and sisters, Karen of Austin, TX and Doreen of Spokane, WA.
A funeral will be at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Vancouver, WA at 11 a.m., Tues., July 16, 2019. Viewing will be at 10 a.m. with the Rosary at 10:30 a.m. Gary will then be laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery, with a committal ceremony at 2 p.m.
Hamilton-Mylan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Cards and flowers can be sent to the funeral home at 302 W. 11th St., Vancouver, WA 98660.
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Miss you all the time man. Best friends forever. I think about you often and so glad we had so many good times. Thank you for always being there for me.
Steve Harris and Ron Snackerdan
December 30, 2023
I miss you dad
Raphael
Family
May 13, 2023
I miss you and think of you
Anne Kissel
Family
April 11, 2023
I remember Gary when he was a little guy. Gary, Karen & Doreen lived in the corner brick house on Longfellow in Spokane. I always wondered what he did in his adult life. My thoughts are with his family.
David
March 7, 2023
I have kept Gary's name and phone number in my phone, because I like seeing it there. I think of Gary often, and pray that each member of his family is healing and doing well in his absence. I remember he was so angry with himself that he was going to be passing because he wanted to be there for his family, especially to guide and love his children.
Kelly Clark
Work
July 8, 2022
A wonderful man who is still missed dearly.
Anne Kissel
July 9, 2021
I enjoy seeing his name on old emails etc. Whenever I encounter his name I can instantly see his face and smile, they are vivid in my mind. He was so quick to smile and joke with. I continue to miss him. I thoroughly enjoyed laughing with him!!!!
Kelly Clark
Work
July 8, 2021
Sweet man. Miss his guitar playing. You may have moved on but you are not forgotten.❣
Marguerite Brunk
Coworker
July 8, 2020
Having worked literally side by side with Gary when he first started at Lifeworks NW,I got to know him before he worked his way up the food chain. I learned so much about him and his life. This baseline of friendship never altered and despite his positions, and that he would not cease to fire me if he had to. I always encouraged him to send all the stories of his youth to Saturday Night Live because they were so hysterical!! He was an amazing man to me. He was soooo funny; he maintained such a heart for God; despite some of his presentations (flat affect, observing with few words, black leather jacket and dark attire) he was very clinical; he had the patience of Job, and he was so VERY devoted to his family (I so enjoyed learning all about your courtship with him Anne). His children do not know me, but I know All about them!! He so adored and was so extremely proud of both of them. Even though I know that he is in a good place right now, my heart misses him, and I can only imagine what Anne and their children are experiencing. You will continue to be in my heart and prayers.
Kelly Clark
July 17, 2019
Your perseverance and involvement in continuing to live til the end is a trait I hope both of your kids will take with them.
Mrs. Nadia Love
Nadia Love
July 16, 2019
Gary was the most patient and compassionate supervisor. I learned so much from him. You will be missed Gary.Rest in Peace
Lianne Roland
July 16, 2019
I appreciated Gary's wonderfully wry sense of humor. He will always be remembered.
Rebeccah Paget
July 16, 2019
Rest in Love Gary
CHERYL MOTEN
July 15, 2019
Gary was a great supervisor and Service director. He helped me become the clinician I am today. Im forever grateful. Rest in Love Gary
Ms Cheryl
CHERYL MOTEN
July 15, 2019
Rest in peace Gary!! Miss your friendship and fellowship!! Thank you. We miss you specially in our choir family at Holy Redeemer. Deepest condolence Anne, Rafe, Mariah and to Gary's mom and sisters. Our thoughts and prayers.
Francis Guevara
July 15, 2019
Shelly Toussaint
July 15, 2019
You have freedom now. Walk with the angels and sing in the heavenly choir. You are greatly missed.
Marguerite Brunk
July 14, 2019
You will be missed. You were a strong and generous man, beloved husband and father.
Anne Kissel
July 14, 2019
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Funeral services provided by:
Hamilton-Mylan Funeral Home, Inc. - Vancouver302 W. 11th Street, Vancouver, WA 98660
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