Top Banner for Gary Vail Obituary
Gary Vail Obituary

Brought to you by Chapel of the Valley

Gary Vail

East Wenatchee, WA

June 14, 2008

Gary Vail Obituary

Garry Jay Vail, 71, passed away on June 14, 2008, after an extended illness. Garry was born on May 13, 1937, to Jay and Bernice (Bates) Vail in Idaho Falls, ID. After traveling across the United States, they settled in Wenatchee in 1943. Garry attended Wenatchee schools, graduating from Wenatchee High School in 1956. He was active in high school sports, especially baseball and football. It was in high school that Garry met the love of his life, Nancy Redelf. They then married in July of 1958, and started their life together. Their family included three children, Cindy, born 1959, Michael, born 1961 and Susan, born 1966. Garry's working life was all focused on the roofing industry. He started working for his father as a child, quickly moving up to the roofs by the time he was a teenager. He eventually became President and CEO of his father's business, J.N. Vail Company. He later co-owned the business with his brother, Don Vail and they worked side-by-side for many years. 'Above All a Good Roof' was the family motto. Garry was very active in the roofing construction community, being a board member of Western States Contractor's Association for several years. He also served on the Wenatchee Construction Council that was founded by his father, J.N. Vail. Garry was one of the first visionaries to see the value in riverfront development from his business property on Worthen Street. This interest led to his involvement with the Riverfront Development Committee. Garry had many interests outside of work. He was a licensed pilot and often flew to Mallard Ranch (outside Othello) to hunt. Garry was a longtime member and player in fastpitch softball. He was recognized in the Wenatchee Fastpitch Hall of Fame in the position of pitcher. He also was involved in bowling leagues through the years. He loved the game of golf and had many wonderful memories on golf courses. Wenatchee Golf and Country Club was a very special part of this. Garry was involved in community service. He served as President of Jaycees. He was a longtime member of the Elks and Eagles clubs. He had a generous and giving heart and was always willing to open his wallet to donate to the community. Several groups benefited from his giving, including: Habitat for Humanity, area youth sports, Central Washington Hospital, Wenatchee Valley College and several area churches. Garry had a large group of very special and lifelong friends that were so much a part of his life. He loved his 'Coffee Clutch' and lunch groups, spending many hours discussing life and bragging about his children and grandchildren. He looked forward to traveling with his friends, spending time along the Oregon coast and the special Fish Lake cabin. Garry was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Bernice Vail; daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Dan Toftness; brothers, Don and Kent Vail. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy (Redelf) Vail; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Paige Vail; daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Joe Barrett; special niece, Maria and husband, Dave Watson. His legacy lives on in his precious grandchildren, Rachael and Jay Barrett and Connor and Erika Vail. Garry did not like saying goodbye. This involved everything from phone conversations to the way he left this world. So, as he would have wanted to say it, 'will see you again.' You are appreciated, missed, loved and thought about often. Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 27, 2008, at First United Methodist Church, 941 Washington Street, Wenatchee.

To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Gary Vail hosted by Chapel of the Valley.

Events

Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Gary Vail.