Obituary of Gary Joseph Biles

Gary Joseph Biles travelled to heaven at 70 years of age, Monday, July 18th, 2011. Residing in Roy, Washington and recovering from surgery at St. Joseph Medical Center he developed catastrophic lung failure thought to be caused from the dislodging of a blood clot. He graciously donated corneas to SightLife. December 17th, 1940, Gary was born as the second son of Floyd Biles, from Washington, and Rose (Rambousek) Biles, from North Dakota. Floyd and Rose resided in Yakima, Washington through the birth of their third child, a daughter. The family moved to Wenatchee for a spell then Floyd and Rose nurtured five children total with a loving home in Tacoma where they stayed. Gary’s siblings are: Charles (1939) Sandra (1942) Douglas (1944) Jack (1947) Scott (1954) In the class of 1958, Gary Joseph Biles attended Bellarmine High School of Tacoma. Track and Field was a small portion of Gary’s High School career. He won awards for his participation in this sport. He had already begun coursework that took him the direction of his chosen path, data processing, that he continued studying up until this year. August 6th, 1971, Gary and Anna Marie (Viles) Robertson were wed in San Diego, California. Adopted by Gary, at age 7, Michael, Anna’s son, attended this event with fond memories. Gary and Anna both attended the San Diego Evening College. He received an Associate of Science from San Diego Evening College in 1974 with a major in Data Processing. His academic excellence was recognized by being placed on the Dean’s Honor List. Daughter, Amanda, came into their life in January of 1974. Gary and Anna raised two children together in San Diego, California, Omaha and Millard, Nebraska and Tacoma, Washington. For a short period of time Gary and Anna lived in Colorado throughout the Colorado Springs area eventually moving to Roy, Washington. Traveling, sightseeing, fishing, camping, hiking and visiting others were enjoyed as a family. Gary and Anna divorced in late 2003. Over twenty-six years of qualifying service in the Navy and Naval Reserve allowed Gary to retire in 1988 and continue his dedication as a civilian for the United States Army as a computer programmer specialist / analyst and Directorate of Information Management. During this time he received numerous recognitions and awards for his commitment to the positions he held and professionalism while performing his duties. He retired from his civil service in 2000. Shortly after being recruited into the Navy in 1958 he served on the USS Rowan, a Destroyer (battleship), DD-782. He received a Good Conduct Medal for his service. Ten years later he was placed as a Sonar Technician on the USS Volador, a submarine, SS-490. He received a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Star, and another Good Conduct Medal. He was a crew member during the deactivation of the Destroyer, USS Orleck, DD-886. Gary enjoyed pursuing his other water interest of fishing. Watching his daughter ride in horse events gave him pleasure. He always lent a helping hand and never asked for any favor in return. He reconnected with Briarwood Pony Club upon his return to Washington State volunteering for them. He searched out Habitat for Humanity putting many miles on his vehicle to help the team construct houses. Equest Special Riders, Inc. was another non-profit organization that happily accepted his assistance for their therapeutic horseback riding program. Along with these endeavors in retirement he spent time visiting his family remaining in Western Washington on holidays, birthdays, and any occasion for a reunion. He had a drive for learning whatever he could and continued to take classes. Gary also enjoyed watching movies at home and drinking coffee all day long. From Gary’s retired efforts a special relationship was created with Tianda and eventually her husband, Jeff Brown. “He was like an uncle to us”, they say. They began a video exchange that developed into discussing the sweet scents of candles. The kids at Tianda’s day care knew Gary as the “Movie Man”. He took children videos for them to watch and he got to know their family’s as well. Gary strived for excellent performance and is known for his courteous nature and memorable laughter. Gary is survived by: Son, Michael L. Biles of Yelm, Washington Daughter, Amanda L. Biles of Casper, Wyoming Mother, Rose Biles of Tacoma, Washington Brother, Charles Biles and his wife Carolyn of Eureka, California Sister, Sandra DeVettori and her husband CoCo of Lakewood, Washington Brother, Douglas and his wife Alice of Tacoma, Washington Brother, Jack and his wife Mary of Tacoma, Washington Brother, Scott and his wife Susan of Puyallup, Washington Numerous nieces and nephews from across the country. Friends, Tianda and Jeff Brown of Tacoma, Washington And Dude, his companion, a dog Gary is in the care of Edwards Memorial during his cremation and inurnment. He will be honored with a military service at 11:15am on August 5th at Tahoma International Cemetery. The family asks for attendees to be on location at least 15 minutes prior to begin a line-up of vehicles. Tahoma International has a visitor area for guests to use if they would like to arrive ahead of schedule. Please be prepared to stand during the ceremony. From beginning to end this will be nearly 30 minutes. Chairs provided are for immediate family only. The location is covered but in the elements. Please be ready for this. As well, please be advised that all will need to leave immediately after the service. For interment the urn will be placed in a niche as a final resting place. Directions to Tahoma International: From Highway 18 take the SE 256th Street exit to the West. Turn North on 180th Avenue SE then East on SE 240th Street. The entrance is on the North side of the road. There will be personnel there to greet you. Let them know you are there for Gary J. Biles and they will let you know the direction to take from there. Tahoma International Cemetery 18600 Southeast 240th Street Kent (Covington), Washington. A celebration of Gary’s life reception will take place at a family home in Tacoma after the service. Directions will be given at the cemetery. A thank you goes to co-workers that kept up a sense of humor during trying times. Neighbors greatly impacted his life and will be thought of. There were also wonderful medical professionals that cared for Gary throughout the years that had become part of his family. For more information please contact: Amanda Biles amandabiles@yahoo.com Suggestions for memorial donations are: Briarwood Pony Club Care of: Ann West, District Commissioner 10607 365th St. Ct. E. Eatonville WY 98328 Habitat for Humanity (Tacoma/Pierce County) Materials / monies / labor PO Box 7124 Tacoma WA 98417 253-627-5626 office@tpc-habitat.org Fill out an organ donation card. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial. (253) 566-1008.