Gary Arthur Rees

Gary Arthur Rees, of Bainbridge Island, Washington, passed away on August 26, 2026, at the age of 88. He was born on November 16, 1937, in Seattle, Washington, to Ella and Frank Rees. 

Gary grew up in the Laurelhurst neighborhood in Seattle and graduated from Roosevelt High School with the class of 1955. He attended the University of Washington, where he joined Delta Upsilon Fraternity and received his degrees in both Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. After college, he attended Officer Candidate School at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, and was then stationed at Pearl Harbor, where he was a member of the Seabees (Construction Battalion) as a Public Works Officer. He had the privilege of serving as one of the Project Managers for the construction of the Arizona Memorial. While living in Hawaii, he met and married the love of his life, Violet Watson, with whom he shared almost 64 years of marriage. 

After his service in the Navy, Gary started his career in the telecommunications industry, where he worked as an executive for Pacific Northwest Bell, AT&T, and US West for over 30 years. One of his accomplishments was working on the team that secured the first cellular phone frequency bands from the Federal Communications Commission in the early 1970’s. 

Known for his quick wit, generous heart, and natural leadership qualities, Gary had a passion for golf and Seattle sports teams, especially the Seahawks, Mariners, and Huskies. He served as President of the Wing Point Golf and Country Club and President of the Washington State Golf Association. His greatest joy, however, was his family. Gary and Vi’s home on Wing Point was the gathering place for decades of beautiful family memories. After retirement, they spent their winter months relaxing and playing on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu, where they hosted visiting family on many occasions. 

He is survived by his wife, Violet; his children, David, Tom (Nancy) and Richard (Lori); his grandchildren, Cole, Blake, Brody, and Liam. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Frank and Barbara. 

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life on September 19, 2026 (1:30 PM) at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church (11042 Sunrise Drive NE, Bainbridge Island, WA) with a reception afterward at Wing Point Golf and Country Club (811 Cherry Ave, Bainbridge Island, WA). 

Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA