Gary Mack Boelling

GARY MACK BOELLING

1936-2024

Gary Mack Boelling was born in Herrington, Kansas on June 2, 1936 and died of natural causes in Port Townsend, Washington on June 1st, 2024. one day short of his 88th birthday. He was beloved by his family, friends, and patients, and he leaves a legacy of community involvement, health care advocacy, and excellence in his career as a medical internest. Above all else he was a devoted father and husband. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Boelling, daughter Karen, son John, sisters Kathy and Judi, four grandchildren, four great-grand children, many friends and members of the Quimper Co-Housing Community he helped to found.

Mack had a deep intellect and cultivated a lifelong joy of learning, especially in science, nature and history. He loved to hike and camp, and he climbed many northwest mountains. Mack was a skilled wood-worker, tuba player, and a local pie-making legend. He had an unflagging work ethic (starting at 4am every day), a straight-forward approach to life, and a presence that was simultaneously commanding and humble. He endeared people with his calm, good-natured manner, and earned their trust with his integrity and reliability. He was a natural leader but never self-important.

If you ever met Mack, you instantly knew you were in the presence of a good, good man.

A celebration of Mack’s life will be held at Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship where he was a dedicated member in Port Townsend, WA on June 29, at 2pm. Pie and coffee reception to follow.

Family and friends are invited to share memories of Mack and sign the online guestbook.