Gilbert J. Rekate
June 26, 1928 - January 30, 2008
Obituary
Gilbert John REKATE Surrounded by his loving family and his dog Gunner by his side, Gil was lifted to the gates of Heaven on January 30, 2008, where he is resting safely in the arms of his God. Born on June 26, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri to Gilbert and Lilly Rekate, Gil enjoyed a life with strong family ties and strict work ethics. After graduating from the University of Missouri in 1950, he served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy for 4 ½ years aboard the U.S.S. Toledo seeing considerable action during the Korean conflict. Having been stationed in Seattle a short time before heading overseas, Gil made the decision to return to Seattle to make this magnificent city his home. Gil was hired by the Boeing Company as an engineer in 1955 where he worked on a variety of aerospace programs. He met the love of his life, Janice Snyder, in 1958 and they exchanged marriage vows in January, 1960. This union produced two children, Mark and Kim, whom never ceased to make Gil a very proud papa. Never in this world was there a more devoted husband or father. Gil coached Little League, was Cub Scout and Webelo leader and an avid supporter of Mark and Kim’s swimming careers which spanned several years. When Kim married Greg, they gave Gil and Jan two grandchildren. In recent years, Gil’s energy of support went to his grandchildren, Haley and Ryan, following their swim meets, taking their splits and being their number one fan no matter how well their swim turned out. He loved all sports, especially the sport of swimming and was so thrilled to be involved in Haley and Ryan’s swim career. Gil followed each of their interests with vigor; a speaking part in a school function, a Pine Wood Derby race in scouting, a tour led by Haley of her new high school, anything the grandchildren were involved in was his mission as well. Family vacations were important to Gil and there were many trips enjoyed together from camping, to Disneyland several times, to Alaska and the Caribbean to their yearly family camping trip to Lake Pearrygin where the grandchildren were taught to fish, shoot, water ski, and to love the outdoors as much as he did. Gil is survived by his wife, Jan, of 48 years, his two children Mark and Kim, his son-in-law Greg, his grandchildren, and more friends than we could ever name. A Celebration of Gil’s Life will take place on February 16th at 11:00 a.m. at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, 15004 14th S.W., Seattle. He has chosen memorials to be made to Lake Burien Presbyterian or to Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah 84741-5000 which Gil and Jan visited in May, 2007. The family holds great appreciation for the entire staff at Highline Hospital who took such loving care of Gil. Please visit: http://www.bonneywatson.com ‘Current Services’ if you would like to send the family a message.
I just want to say that although I never met Mr. Rekate, I am sure I will miss him. I live down the street from the Rekate home and, for many years, have enjoyed the wonderful holiday decorations that adorn the yard numerous times per year. I have always wondered where he kept them all! I drive by the home twice per day — on my way to and from work at Boeing, and on all my other trips out of the neighborhood, too. The only reason I even knew his name is because it is on the giant Christmas stocking that is in the front yard every year. When I saw the obituary in the Seattle Times, I immediately felt sad for Mr. Rekate’s family. He sounds like he was a wonderful man. I am very sorry for your loss.
My Dear Friend Mark,
I am so sorry to read the passing of your Dad. Though we haven’t seen one another for years, I think of you often and want to send my condolences and prayers from Taylor and I, knowing that “On Wings of Time, Grief flys Away.” Missing your friendship & sending love.
Vicki Heilbrun-Wilson
Seattle, Washington
VicDudette@yahoo.com
Dear Jan and family,
We were so sad to read of Gil’s death Sunday. It has been many years, but we still remember the good times we had with you two, as well as with the other volunteers, supporting our Husky swimmers.
Big hugs and much love to all of you!
Dick and Sherill Dunwiddie and Rick, too!
Jan you probably will not recall my name after all these years, but I worked in the same Mfg. Engr. group as Gil in the aerospace program at Boeing. I saw the announcement about Gil in today’s paper and was saddened at the news. Although I haven’t seen him since the Bomarc? days, I can still hear his infectious laugh. No one could resist laughing with him. He was a great friend, exceptional engineer and radiated good humor – a prince of a fellow. I recall when he met you and was so taken with you. He was proud to become your boyfriend. He used to go to eastern WA fishing or hunting and bring back absolutely huge apples he said were comparable to what the Waldorf-Astoria hotel would purchase. He always sliced them and shared them with the group. He was a great guy. I’m 84 now and living on peaceful Lopez Island with my husband Loyd. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Eddie Newcomb
Our prayers and codolences to the Rekate family. It was my privilege to have worked with Gil in our early days at Boeing. A true gentleman and friend. He will be greatly missed by all his Boeing friends.
We would like express how much we will miss Gil and how lucky we were to have known him and to have been his neighbor. We really began to miss him the day we moved away. His honest friendly open manner and wonderful humor could never be replaced in our new neighborhood. As you know his personal energy was a thing to behold and could actually inspire an onlooker to try achieve more in their own lives. We were certainly one of the many benefactors of his wonderful life. Gil has touched our lives in so many ways. We still have gifts that were handmade by Gil both in our home and our parents home. Just last year we took our first family cruise inspired by Gil’s cruising stories. I only hope Gil knew how much good he was doing in the world as he went along. We wish you all the best.
Love,
David, Cindy, Nicole, and Alex Green
We are so very sad for your loss of Gil. He was such a dear, sweet man. Our prayers and condolences are with you and your family during this difficult time. We ask that God blesses you and keeps you close.
We will all miss Gil’s bright smile and sense of humor. Love, Stacey, gail, Jan and Cindy