Gary Austin December 11, 1951 – September 11, 2026

Gary Austin beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026, surrounded by his family at Infinity Hospice Care in Las Vegas, Nevada, from complications of multiple myeloma. He was 74.

Gary was born on December 11, 1951, in Renton, Washington, to Edward and Helen Austin. He grew up in Tukwila, where his schooling began at Foster Elementary School, and he attended junior high and high school in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and Great Falls, Montana. He was a proud graduate of Minot High School (1970), Billings Automotive School (1973), and the University of North Dakota (1975). From his earliest years, two things defined him: a deep love of family and an unshakable passion for cars and travel.

Gary's career took flight at The Boeing Company, where he dedicated 32 years of service, beginning as a Facilities Request Coordinator and rising to Enterprise Director of Site Services. His work centered on the Defense and Space Group, with stints in Shared Services and Commercial Aircraft. Along the way he built lasting friendships and remained genuinely grateful to the colleagues who supported him throughout his career. Even after retiring from The Boeing Company, he continued to mentor his kids in their careers as a life coach guiding them in their journey.

In 1972, Gary married the love of his life and best friend, Nancy Zeltinger. Their 54 years together were filled with love, laughter, and shared adventure. They raised three sons Joshua, Jacob, and Jared, and Gary's greatest joy in later years came from his grandchildren, Josie, Hailey, and Colton, whose legacy of love he leaves behind.

Gary gave freely of his time to others. He served the Boys and Girls Club of Federal Way coaching basketball for his kid’s teams at Olympic View Elementary and Illahee Junior High and was heavily involved with Federal Way National Little League as a board member and coach, and he found lifelong camaraderie in team sports, playing on Over-40 men's softball and soccer teams. Gary thoroughly enjoyed watching his boys grow up and attending their sporting events, watching them at baseball, basketball, soccer games, and swim meets. When the grandkids came along, he got to do it all again!

The big garage in the sky is now OPEN, and Gary and his dad are up to their armpits in parts and grease. Cars were in Gary's blood as he loved building them, repairing them, talking about them, and reading about them. He was an active member of the Studebaker Drivers Club and attended Avanti Club meets with his father. He treasured his '55 Studebaker President from his college days, built his '53 Studebaker pickup from the ground up, and drove his Chevrolet Chevelle like he stole it. On Thursday evenings in Lake Havasu, he could be found proudly showing his cars with his good friends.

Travel was Gary's other great love. He and Nancy explored China, Egypt, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Greece, Italy, Russia, and so many places beyond, often traveling with family and friends. He was forever chipping away at his bucket list no sooner home from one trip than he and Nancy were planning the next.

He also found peace on the water, working his way from the calm of Lake Havasu, with his friend Michelle, to the majestic Puget Sound alongside his son Jared. A gardener at heart, he took quiet pride in the tomatoes and basil he grew in Tacoma and shared his harvest generously with his neighbors.

Gary's life was a tapestry of humor, generosity, and love. His sense of fun was infectious and his kindness unwavering. Even in his final year, he made a point of staying connected to lifelong friends from childhood, adulthood, and Boeing, a reflection of the gratitude that defined him.

Gary is survived by his wife, Nancy; sons, Joshua (Stephanie), Jacob, and Jared Austin; grandchildren, Josie, Hailey, and Colton Austin; sister, Vickie Graham; brothers-in-law, Robert North, Lanny (Robin) Zeltinger and Jason (Rachel) Zeltinger; sisters-in-law, Marcy Zeltinger and Joan Zeltinger; special cousin, David Austin, who was like a brother to him; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and the countless friends fortunate enough to know him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Helen Austin; sister, Gayle North, father and mother-in-law, Delbert and Eunice Zeltinger; and brother-in-law, Patrick Zeltinger.

A Celebration of Life is planned for May of 2027; more information will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in honor of Gary's courageous battle. https://www.stjude.org/donate/

The family also extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate care teams at Swedish Hospital Seattle, and St. Rose Siena ICU, Infinity Hospice Care, and Care Cremation and Burial, Las Vegas.

Gary Austin's legacy of love, laughter, and friendship will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.