Gary Paul Arko

Gary P. Arko was born at Providence Hospital in Seattle Washington on December 29th 1954 and passed away peacefully on January 24th 2023 at the age of 68. Gary graduated from Kennedy high school and went onto get degrees at the University of Washington and the Seattle U. His parents were Harold and Catherine Arko.

Gary was a friend to everyone he met, a gentle man with quite the sense of humor. When he made friends it was for life. He would often speak of the good times, going on road trips, cruising Alki beach, and just hanging out in good company whether it be for a Mariners / Seahawks game or for absolutely no reason at all. He had a passion for Ham radio, classic cars, coin collecting, Alaska cruises, and just about anything railroad and kept up on all of it. He also loved doing the Yesterday’s Chevelle & El Camino club newsletter which he had been doing for many years.

Gary met Nina in 1984 and they were married in 1986, which is also when their cruise sailing started. Together they sailed across the sea 14 times, enjoying every single one. Their bond was as deep as the ocean they sailed on as they were truly best friends. In 1990 they had a son Chad and also took him on several cruises starting in 1997.

Gary’s friends say he had a great sense of humor whether it was telling jokes or doing a few impressions. His nature was joyful and genuine and his warmth and kindness were always apparent. His love of classic cars was contagious and has been passed down to his son Chad along with his 1965 Impala SS he purchased before he met Nina.

Gary is survived by his wife Nina and beloved son Chad along with all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the muscular dystrophy association.