Gary James Tauscher

Gary James Tauscher passed away peacefully with family by his side on March 31, 2017. He was 71 years old.

Born in Carmel, CA, he was a graduate of Central Washington University in Ellensberg, WA. At 21, he started in the hydraulics industry at Fittings, Inc. in Seattle, WA servicing the military, technology and aerospace industry. He bought the company 6 years later where he served as Vice President, Owner and Partner until he sold his portion of the company in 1997. While at Fittings Inc., he mentored many sales reps and managers and enjoyed being an active member of NAHAD (The Association for Hose and Accessories Distribution) serving as an occasional keynote speaker at their annual convention for the promotion of high professional business and product standards and ethical conduct. Gary worked later as a consultant and sales rep for The Dana Corporation, Weatherhead, The Granberry Supply Corporation and Titeflex before retiring in 2014. Gary was an avid sports fan and spent many years coaching his son's teams for basketball at the Federal Way Boys and Girls Club and baseball at the Federal Way National Little League. He was one of the founding coaches to raise the funds and open the Federal Way National Little League Complex. Many kids passed through Gary's coaching program. He loved to win, but his big heart was always out there out on the field as well. He also served as President of the Decatur High School booster club for the nationally ranked basketball team.

Gary taught his three children to have a strong work ethic, be honest, enjoy a good salmon, root for the Mariners and the Seahawks, eat pork rinds and Coke when Mom was away and to appreciate the music of Muddy Waters. He was a wicked card player, gourmet chef, harmonica player and nursed a lifelong love for classic cars, racing and golf.

His true legacy is the many lives - both family and friends -he touched over the years. Gary will always be remembered for his infectious humor, impeccable timing, the ability to make people laugh and enjoy an entertaining story himself. It was his way of making the lives of other people better ~ everyone has a funny story about Gary, Dad and Grandpa Gary.

He is survived by Julie, his wife of 50 years, who compassionately cared for him during his illness, and three children Lisa (Billy Marchese), Erin (Flor Collins) & Ryan, who knew how fortunate they were to have Gary as their father.

He also leaves his sister, Jeanine Krogstad of Tacoma, WA and six amazing grandchildren Nicole (19), Desi (13), Kate (11), Logan (8), Grace (4) & Madeline (3), with whom he created many funny stories and memories.

He and Julie divided their time between Federal Way, WA and La Quinta, CA.

A celebration of his life will be held in La Quinta, CA at the Laguna De La Paz clubhouse on Sunday, April 30th from 2-5 p.m., and the North Shore golf course clubhouse in Tacoma, WA on Sunday, June 4rd from 2-5 p.m.

Donations in his name may be made directly to The City of Hope: https://ourhope.cityofhope.org/fireflieswest. This year, there will be several cyclists riding in Gary's name on their annual ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, CA.