By Ed Medeiros, former Executive Director of the PNA
Gary Teachout, former owner of Gary’s Games and Hobbies, passed away on October 27, 2020, after contracting Covid 19. Gary had been very active in the Greenwood/Phinney community for many years.
He belonged to the Greenwood-Phinney Chamber of Commerce, serving on the Chamber Board of Directors as Treasurer and as Board President. He also served on the PNA Board of Directors and the Greenwood Senior Center Board of Directors. Gary was a liaison between these two organizations as they worked through the details of their merger.
Gary and Linda, his wife of 37 years, were active members of the PNA where they participated in and sponsored events such as the annual auction. They and their family were regulars at PNA community Thanksgiving Dinners. Gary loved to cook. When this holiday event moved to the Greenwood Senior Center, he would come early to prepare, cook and carve the turkeys.
Gary’s Games and Hobbies was located at 8539 Greenwood Ave. N. It opened in 1990, and was the only game store in the region for many years. Besides the physical store, Gary was one of the first to take his business on line, where he was very successful in promoting his related business, Puget Bridge Supplies.
Diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease about 10 years ago, Gary managed the disease through exercise and medication. Besides working out at the YMCA, Gary and Linda practiced Tai Chi regularly at the Phinney Center. However, his condition worsened and he decided to close his business in 2015.
Gary’s symptoms became overwhelming earlier this year and he moved to Shoreline Gardens, a group home, to receive the special care he now required. In early October the owners, staff and all 5 patients of the home were diagnosed with Covid 19. Gary was hospitalized on October 21st and passed away with Linda at his side on October 27th. He was 84 years old.
We’ll remember Gary for his generosity and his great sense of humor.
