Gary James Bracken

beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend passed away on May 21, 2009. He adored boating and building a life-long dream log home. He and his wife Elizabeth enjoyed Life's simple pleasures over the last year since his brain cancer diagnosis in April 2008. Since celebrating his 59th birthday on March 6, they proudly awaited the June graduation of their son Andy from Stanford University. What unlimited and peaceful joy Andy brought his Dad. Gary is further survived by his dear brother Ken and wife Marian; nephew Eric and Brenda Bracken Family; nephew Scott and Sheryl Bracken Family; sister-in-law Anne and Karl Matsushino Stinson Family; brother-in-law Gilbert and Karen Matsushino Family; mother-in-law Taz Matsushino; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents Ida P. and Walter C. Bracken and stepfather Wesley F. June.From 1973 to 2007, Gary masterfully served the Department of Energy and its contractors in nuclear waste operations and decommissioning at the Hanford Site, Rocky Flats Site, and Idaho National Engineering Lab. Gary graduated from Washington State University with his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Chemistry in 1972 and 1974. While a student attending University of Bonn, he met Liz who was a student at the University of Stuttgart. They were married in 1974 in Tucson, Arizona.Gary took special pride in his woodworking projects, building homes, and developing novel ways to make repairs. Additionally, he was an avid member of the Eagle Harbor Yacht Club and joined in many of its cruises in the Northwest. Without the strengthening bonds of our Gary Boat Bracken Support Teams, we could not have experienced the Simple Pleasures we enjoyed. We are sincerely grateful to our many caring friends who unselfishly supported us, our loving family members who traveled from afar to help, the hopeful Team of medical professionals at Swedish in Seattle and on Bainbridge Island who gave us joyous Hope, the caring Team of Kitsap County Hospice, the motivating wellness Team at Island Fitness, the calming and cheerful Teams of financial and legal jewels, and to God who is present in our lives everyday keeping us focused on love, good, and peace.As Gary wished, an honored gathering of family and friends will take place on Sunday, May 31, 2009, from 2-6 p.m. at Eagle Harbor Marina, where we lived aboard Waypoint II for 3.5 years. Burial will take place at Port Blakely Cemetery.If you would like to honor Gary's life with a gift, please consider making a gift of life to:Swedish Medical Center FoundationFBO: Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment747 BroadwaySeattle, WA 98122-4307, orHospice of Kitsap CountyP. O. Box 3416Silverdale, WA 98383