Alfred Paul Gehri
October 4, 1951 - March 4, 2006
Obituary
Alfred P. Gehri
Our beloved Al, age 54 passed away Saturday, 03/04/06.
Al was a warm and wonderful man with a wry sense of humor, loved by all who knew him. He was well educated, leaving Federal Way High School to attend Whitman College, ultimately graduating with honors from Stanford University and receiving his Law Degree from the University of Washington. He joined the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s office in 1979 and served as a Criminal and Civil Deputy in numerous important capacities until his untimely death.
Al’s life centered around his longtime companion, Megan; his cat Tasha; his career with Snohomish County and law enforcement personnel; and his beach house on Hood Canal. He was in love with his digital camera and photographed anyone and anything of interest that he came in contact with. He was a voracious reader, particularly of The New Yorker, with a great interest in history. He loved to travel, even managing a trip to China before tourists were allowed. He honed his grilling skills at Hood Canal and was always ready to fire up the barbecue.
Al will be sorely missed. He is survived by his life partner, Megan Graves; mother Eleanor Earley Jack Crocker; sister, Robin D’Amico Joe; brother, Coleman Gehri Claudia; one nephew, Robert; two nieces, Rebecca and Rachel; aunt, Betty Sharer and two cousins, David and Bruce Sharer. Alfred was preceded in death by his father, Alfred F. Gehri. A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 13, 2006 at 11:00 AM at the Museum of Flight, 9404 East Marginal Way South, Seattle, WA. The family has entrusted arrangements to BONNEY-WATSON Federal Way, 1535 SW Dash Point Rd., Federal Way, WA 253 839-7317. Remembrances may be made to Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 2407, Issaquah, WA 98027, The American Diabetes Association or the charity of your choice.
Growing up in the neighborhood, my earliest memories of Al are of his fierce fights with his sister. They showed me you can fight, get over it and go on to a close and positive relationship. I will always remember his perseverence in his intellectual pursuits and his quick wit. He was one of the good guys. I also have very cherished memories of spending time together at the Hood Canal homestead.
We grew up in your naeighborhood . So sorry . Many blessings to you and I know many good memories will be with you. Lo
I first met Al in 1989 when he joined the Civil Division of the Prosecutor’s Office. It was my pleasure to assist him on many of the cases he handled during his 13+ years in Civil. I echo the sentiments of my fellow co-worders; Al was wonderful to work with and his devotion to and support of law enforcement officers was inspiring. Al always had time to help anyone needing advice. Besides his infectious laugh and sharing cat stories, I think what I will always remember about Al was that he cared about people on a personal level, always taking time to inquire how you were doing and more importantly, taking the time to listen. Megan, Tasha and all of Al’s family – You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for providing all of us with the opportunity to come together and remember Al and to learn more about this wonderful man. I loved hearing about his childhood and youth and coming to a greater understanding of what shaped Al into the extraordinary man he was to all of us.
No matter what kind of day I might be having, Al’s big smile and warmth made it better. Al didn’t make you feel like you were the only person he was interested in talking with, you WERE the only person he was focused on. He was fully engaged with whomever he was speaking and always let you know you were special. Whether seeking his advice regarding a professional matter or talking briefly in the halls of the courthouse during the work day, Al left you with moments that refreshed and carried you through the day.
He is missed and always will be. I feel blessed to have known him and hope to be a better person in the future by remembering all that made him so special and trying to apply those qualities to those I encounter in the future.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Al made the world a much better place.
Stephanie Magee
I was on the Bellevue High School debate team from ’67 to ’70, and remember encountering Al at debate tournaments, where he was a very effective speaker and competitor. I will always remember him as he was then — full of life and positively engaged with all around him. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
I was saddened to hear of our earthly loss of such a good man –one of the good guys who dedicated his life to overcome evil in our society. My prayers are with those closest to him–carry on his work as I am sure he would want. May his memories carry you until you meet again. Many years ago I was in Debate class with him –he was such a nice guy.
Al was the main man for the Federal Way debate team during my first year at FWHS. As a rookie coach, I had the joy of immediate success because of Al’s skill and wit that led the varsity team to a 6-1 record at the state tournament at WSU. Al was also studentbody president and an all-around great guy to be around, traveling, competing, and yuking it up at the highest intellectual levels. He was 18 and I was 26, close enough for a friendship from the get-go. He liked to flirt with my wife, and we could all laugh at that too, though she was only 23 and flattered by his witty patter. Al’s spirit stays with you when he’s been a part of your life. Brilliantly mischievous and great fun, that’s the Al that Lorrie and I will always remember.
Dave and Lorrie Matthews
I was in the Prosecutor’s Office with Al, many years ago. He had a great sense of
humor, a keen mind,and,a warm
heart. He will be greatly missed.
My condolences to Al’s family and dear friends. I was blessed to have known this man since he started his career with the Prosecutor’s Office in Snohomish County. An outstanding prosecutor – a gentle soul. My hearts and prayers are with the family. He truly will be missed!
My condolences to Al’s family and friends. I had the pleasure of working with Al on some cases together and I remember his great his sense of humor.
Our deepest sympathy to all that loved Al. Will always remember Al’s love for Hood Canal.
Dear Megan,
I was so sorry to hear the bad news about Al. I will miss him dearly – his good sense of humor, his bon homme, and especially his big gutsy laugh.
Al was a consumate professional. He was an extremely effective advocate, probably because of his intellect, combined with good common sense and professional courtesy. All of us have one of these qualities; unfortunately, only a rare few have all. Al had all. He could be very effective without being offensive and, invariable, he was always a gentleman. He could destroy your argument or witness without being personal. To me, that is a professional. Our profession would be better served if more of us were like Al Gehri.
Just a few weeks ago, Al appeared in front of me on the civil motions calendar. It was not a complex matter, even if I got to the merits. Al’s opponent wanted a continuance to develop a factual dispute to defeat Al’s motion. Over Al’s objection, I, whether rightfully or wrongfully, decided to grant the request for a continuance. It was clear to me that Al did not agree with, but he gracefully accepted my decision.
Later that day, Al called and we spoke. He said “I am not calling for any reason other than to say ‘Hi’ and tell you that Megan who knew that Al would argue a matter that day before me said to say ‘Hi’to you.” It was quite clear that Al was relaying a message and in doing so, was not trying to change my legal decision.
That was the last conversation I had with Al. Al, I miss you already! Megan, don’t become a recluse or a stranger. I love you, and if there is anything I can do, please ask and, if it is within my power, you’ve got it.
Love,
Jerry
My condolences to you Megan. As a friend of Al’s father, I only met you and Al once, when my husband and I were guests at the Hood Canal home.
Unfortunately, I do know what you must be going through. My deepest sympathy to you and all the family.
Brenda Balsiger
I had the opportunity to work with Al on a few significant cases. I respected his professionalism and enjoyed his company. Add me to the list of people who will miss him.
We enjoyed sharing leisure times with Al over the few years since becoming acquainted, including Husky tailgating with Megan & Al. He will be remembered as a gentle, caring person, and missed. God called you home before we were prepared to say farewell, dear Al.
We will miss you, Al.
A kind, gentle, sensitive and humorous friend, Al was also an astute attorney who devoted his considerable legal skills to protecting society from the worst.
The wrong people always seem to die. We would have much preferred to enjoy Al’s friendship for many years to come, but are so grateful to have known him!
Megan, we love you. Please accept our sincerest condolences.
Dick and Theresa
I had the the opportunity to sit next to Alfred at David Kurtz’s swearing in and sensed his wry sense of humor as well as his intellect.
I’ll remember the raincoat and briefcase, KNOT007, how Big N had him wrapped around her tail, but most of all, Al’s laughter — it was contagious.
It was a joy working with Al on the many Correction issue we faced a few years back. Al will be be missed
To all the family…….
Al will be with you forever…
May your memories always give you comfort and a big smile.
I have so many fond memories of Al. A summer evening wasn’t complete until I had walked under his balcony and inhaled the aroma of whatever he might be barbequeing for himself and Megan. He liked to laugh and a wry sense of humor. He always had something positive to say, especially after one of his favorite teams lost. He took time to do the little things. Thus, we often found ourselves taking out the garbage and recycling at the same time. Finally, he loved Megan in thought, word, and deed. He was a valued friend and neighbor and I’ll miss him.
Sue and I and our son Paul were so fortunate to spend 5 days with Al last week at the beach house on Hood Canal. It had been a year since we had seen him. We shared memories, made plans and enjoyed the solitude and beauty of the Pacific Northwest. We also had several laughs together which was a natural thing to do with Al.
Our thoughts are with Megan, Eleanor, Robin, Coleman and their family and friends who had the privledge of knowing Al. His memory will long live in our hearts.
Rest Im Peace