Gary Eugene Underwood

Obituary Gary E. Underwood May 24, 1938 - March 16, 2013 Gary E. Underwood passed away on March 16, 2013 from complications of pancreatic cancer. Gary was born on May 24, 1938 at St. Joseph's Hospital to Gene and Adele (Mickey) Underwood, both of whom preceded him in death. A graduate of Bellarmine Preparatory School, class of 1957, Gary's first love was racing super-modified cars, mainly at Sea-Tac Raceway but also at Spanaway Speedway and Portland Raceway. Although his career was cut short by a serious accident at Spanaway Speedway in 1963, he remained a lifelong fan of NASCAR and INDY. Two highlights were a surprise trip to the Indianapolis 500 in 1998 and later a trip to the Daytona 500 in Florida. As a member of The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, he served as Washington State Tall Elk Chairman, benefitting the disabled children's therapy program and was Exalted Ruler of Tacoma Elks Lodge #174 in 1983-1984. Gary was a realtor with Crescent Realty until his retirement. He enjoyed vacationing in Mazatlan, and while at home, kept constantly busy with creative as well as practical projects. He especially loved to organize surprises for others and delighted in playing tricks on his fellow Elks officers, mainly at their conventions. Traveling with the Elks took him and his wife to Hawaii, Greece, Reno and Las Vegas. Gary is survived by his wife, Sally; step-daughter, Tara Mercurio (Chris), step-son, Todd Hagen (Alayna); step-grandchildren, Alexa, Christina and Alizabeth Mercurio and Alexandra and Michael Hagen. Gary is also survived by his brother, Bob Underwood (Norine); nephew, Bob; nieces, Sheryl, DeeDee and Leanne; Aunt Margaret (Peggy), and a large family of cousins. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 5, 2013 at 2:00pm at University Place Presbyterian Church, 8101 27th St. W., University Place, WA 98466. The family suggests donations be made in Gary's memory to Bellarmine Preparatory School, 2300 S. Washington, Tacoma, WA 98405 or University Place Presbyterian Church. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003. A Life Celebration® Home.