George Fredrick Gauntlett

George Fredrick Gauntlett, of Lacey, Washington, was suddenly called home by Jesus on September 20th after a cardiac arrest.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn (Nickerson) Gauntlett; daughters Erin (Jason) VanderMeide and Lindy (Kyle) Henry; five grandchildren, Ellie, Joey, Ruby, Kat, and Micah; his older sisters, Pamela (William) Barnet and Marcia (James) Due; his nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

Born in Aberdeen, Washington on October 8, 1947 to John and Kay Gauntlett, George was the beloved little brother of his three older sisters. He grew up playing tennis, basketball, baseball, lots of bridge and other cards games. While attending Aberdeen High School, George lettered for being on the tennis team. He was a manager for the swim team and a member of the Math Club.

After high school George spent two years at Grays Harbor community college playing tennis and studying. He graduated from Whitworth College with a business degree in 1969. Business wouldn’t be his only career. From banking to teaching to computer programming, George was loved and valued everywhere he worked.

George met the love of his life, Marilyn, at church and were married in less than a year. They moved to Bellevue, WA, and eventually settled in Kirkland, WA, where they raised their two daughters. George poured into his wife and children and later his grandchildren. He was a soccer coach, swim dad, and chauffeur to both of his girls. In 2007 he retired to Lacey, WA, where he made memories picking blackberries and apples with his grandchildren, and continued the tradition of extended family vacations at the Oregon coast.

George’s faith shined through in the subtle ways. He volunteered in the church in many different roles depending on his season of life; being a greeter, singing in the choir, prepping communion, volunteering for the children’s program, VBS, and more. He started his morning in God’s word so it would guide the rest of his day and his life.

George was a man who loved God first, his family second, and his Seattle sports teams were a close third. He showed God’s love to people by how he made others feel and the impact he had in their life whether it was over many years or a short period.

A celebration of life for George Gauntlett will be held on October 12th at Lacey Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, give a generous tip to your favorite server the next time you’re out or give an anonymous donation to a charity of your choice and think of George’s quiet generosity when doing so.