GALEN NESBIT WILLIS, JR.
JANUARY 14, 1943 – JUNE 3, 2025
Galen Nesbit Willis Jr. (Gary) died in Burien, WA, after a long period of ill health.
He was born in Washington, DC, the son of Galen Nesbit Willis and Mary Frances Paine. As a child he lived in Connecticut, Texas and California before the family settled in Seattle in 1955, where he graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1960. Following high school, Galen attended the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, graduating with a BA in Business Administration in 1964 and an MBA in 1970. He belonged to Sigma Chi fraternity.
Galen married his first love, Nancy Lehrer Skinner, on July 31, 1965 in Olympia, WA.
Galen was commissioned a second lieutenant upon college graduation and entered active duty in the Air Force in 1964. He was stationed at Kirtland AB in Albuquerque, NM and then sent to Kadena AB, Okinawa, during which time he served a short time in Vietnam. He separated from active duty in 1969 and remained in the USAFR until retiring as a Colonel.
After retiring from active duty in the Air Force, he continued his federal service as an investigator with the US Postal Service, serving as a Postal Inspector from 1971-1974 in St. Louis, MO.
Galen accepted a position with the US Department of Justice in Seattle where he worked for LEAA before moving on to DEA and the FAA, retiring in 1998 after 32 years of federal service.
Galen was active in civic affairs and was elected to serve as a fire commissioner for the Burien Normandy Park Fire Department from 2003-2007. He also taught genealogy, one of his life long hobbies, at the Burien Community Center. He provided valuable volunteer services at the Paralyzed Veterans of America for a number of years as well as various events in Burien.
Galen was a talented, accomplished wood carver specializing in Northwest Native American style carving much of which he gave to others. He donated some of his works to charity auctions who raised funds for The Ronald McDonald House. He gave a carved eagle to the City of Burien which was installed in Seahurst’s Eagle Landing Park and placed in a shelter built as an Eagle Scout project. Galen also had a livelong interest in collecting coins beginning as a child.
Galen and his wife Nancy enjoyed cycling and had many fun-filled adventures including biking in Europe as well as in the US. They traveled extensively in Europe, Asia and the US. Many glorious days were spent at their special place, the cabin on Mason Lake. Entertaining family and friends or simply being there alone together was a gift.
Galen is survived by his wife Nancy, son Lehrer, daughter-in- law Bridgette and grandchildren Yuki, Takeo and Kaz. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Dagg, brother-in-law Chuck Dagg, nephews Eric (Brandi) and Mark Dagg, his sister-in-law Gail Webster and niece Michelle. He is predeceased by his nephew Noel Webster.
Galen was an interesting, proud gentleman with many facets to his personality. He led a life rich in experiences and relationships and met life’s challenges with determination and patience. He was principled and grounded with unmatched character and integrity. His kind smile and sense of humor were endearing and he was genuinely interested in others. He provided support and comfort to those in need. He was generous with others and non judgmental. His greatest joy was his son and grandchildren.
Galen was respected and admired for the humble man he was as well as his extraordinary artistic talent. His bequeathing of his many pieces of stunning art, is the legacy we all treasure.
“Galen and I had a life together filled with love, laughter and adventure. He was a treasure and I was privileged to have shared my life with him.
“My love to you, my dear man,
“– Nancy“
Memorial Will be at Mt Tahoma Cemetery July 2, 2025
Galen will be interred on July 2, 2025 in a private military honors service at Mt Tahoma Cemetery in Kent, Wa. A celebration of life will take place in the fall. This event will be publicly announced.
Remembrances can be made through contributions to Mary’s Place, Treehouse, College Success Foundation, or a children’s charity of your choice.
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