Lionel Gingrich

Lionel Peary Gingrich, age 88 passed away peacefully on
Monday July 6th in Tacoma Washington with loving friends.
He was born November 5th, 1931 in Tacoma, WA and grew
up in Sumner, WA. His parents were Myrtle Brantner and
Clarence Gingrich. He was preceded in death by his dearly
departed Doris Willingham, as well as his parents and son
Fred.
Lionel graduated from High School in 1951 and still kept in
contact with classmates for a luncheon, generally one
Tuesday per month. After high school Lionel went into the
Navy, where he served aboard an Air Craft carrier.
After the Navy he began his career as a Lather on buildings
where he had a long and successful career, eventually retiring
from the carpenters union.
He was married to Donna and had three children Fred, Steve
and Debra who had one daughter Jessica.
Lionel loved traveling the globe by all modes of transportation
with his traveling companion and son Fred, who he adored
and missed terribly after his passing.
One of Lionel’s passions was cycling where he participated in
the STP several times and the Chilly Hilly on Bainbridge
Island, always finishing the race. Additionally Lionel was an
avid hiker, outdoorsman, and volunteer. Besides cycling,
Lionel also participated in running the Sound to Narrows 40
times, and actually parachuted out of a plane to celebrate his
80th Birthday.
He always looked forward to his walks with his “walking
partner” each week on Tuesdays. Another favorite thing to
enjoy was attending Happy Hour after his walks at Harbor
Lights. Countless friends truly became like family to him, and
he cherished each and every one of those relationships. He
loved Port Wine,Chocolate and especially Vanilla Bean Ice
Cream. When in Italy he even climbed every stair of the
Leaning Tower of Pisa all the way to the top!
Lionel was always helping those in need and donating to
many local charities.
He is survived by his sister Verna, son Steve, daughter Debra
and grand daughter Jessica.