Gary Hertel

  Gary Lee Hertel passed away suddenly on Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham. He was a friend to many and will be deeply missed.
  Gary was born in Bellingham on Feb. 17, 1956, to Mark and Bea Hertel. According to his sisters, he enjoyed a lively, and at times dangerous, childhood. Gary was accident-prone and spent his entire fifth grade year in a cast after breaking his heel in a mishap involving a ladder and a basketball hoop. He played the trumpet throughout junior high and high school and was very involved with the school band. He graduated from Nooksack High School in 1975.
  Gary’s life philosophy was to work hard and play hard. He was devoted to his career in agronomy, most recently working at Elenbaas Company for the past 15 years. He loved working with local farmers. In the summertime, he always had an impressive farmer’s tan with his left arm much darker than the rest of his body from driving around in the fields all day.
  Gary’s favorite pastimes were drinking beer with his friends and rooting for the Seattle Seahawks. A longtime season ticket holder, he was a 12th man before it was cool, and he loved tailgating. When he wasn’t at the stadium, Gary enjoyed watching the games on his big-screen TV in the garage. Neighbors always knew when the ‘Hawks were winning because Gary would set off fireworks in the driveway. Gary also enjoyed boating, crabbing, barbecuing, canning and NASCAR.
  Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Mark and Bea; and his brother, Lin.
  He is survived by his wife and soulmate, Eileen; siblings Marcella (Glen), Denice (Mace) and Roger; children Randy (Melissa), Jennifer, Tim (Tara), Mark (Shayla), Christopher, Allison (Michael) and Anna (Paul); nephew Shane (Rene); niece Tessa; and 11 grandchildren.
  A time of visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 4, 2016. The graveside committal will be 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 5, at Nooksack Cemetery on Breckenridge Road, followed by a 1 p.m. memorial service at Christ Fellowship, 1208 E. Main St., Everson. Please wear blue, green and/or Seahawks gear to celebrate the life of our beloved 12th man.
  Memorials may be sent to the Lighthouse Mission, 910 W. Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225; or the American Cancer Society, 3120 McDougall Ave., Suite 100, Everett, WA 98201.
  You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
  Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.