Gary Wofford

Gary W. Wofford, age 82, passed away November 3, 2021, surrounded by his family at St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood, WA from Pulmonary Fibrosis. Gary was born to George Wofford and Helen (Johnson) Frederickson of Bremerton, WA and grew up in Poulsbo, WA. He graduated from North Kitsap High School, class of 1957. He was very active in sports and school activities. Gary married Ellen Waali in 1958. They were married for 62 years. They lived in West Seattle for 36 years before moving to the Lake Tapps/Enumclaw area. When Gary resided in West Seattle, he coached football from 1959-1976 for The West Seattle Boys Club and West Seattle Jr. Football. He impacted many young men’s lives and won several city championships along the way! He also worked on the “Chain Gang” for the University of Washington football program for several years. In his earlier years, Gary worked for Boeing, Sid Eland Distributors, and North Coast Electric. After moving to the Lake Tapps area he had three restaurants: Pard’s Place (Enumclaw), Midtown Grill (Bonney Lake), and as proprietor of BLT Sports Bar and Grill (Bonney Lake) from 1997-2020. Gary was very supportive of local community programs, charities, youth programs, and the Veterans Home in Orting, WA.  He was active with WIAA High School Basketball, hosting teams in state tournaments at the Tacoma Dome for several years, and supported many High School athletic programs. He also provided holiday meals for families in Enumclaw and Bonney Lake communities.

Gary is survived by his wife, Ellen; their three children, Jana Decker (Joe Fox), Connie Bray, and Brent Wofford; grandchildren, Travis Decker (Lindsey), Kyle Bray (Willa Rector), Jennie Roush (Brandon), Brooke Coyle (Frank Tanner), Taylor Wofford, Devin Wofford, Domi Wolmer (Chris), and JJ Fox; 11 great grandchildren; and his brother Richard Wofford (Cathy).

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to: Bonney Lake Food Bank, PO Box 7521, Bonney Lake, WA 98391; Enumclaw Food Bank, PO Box 827, Enumclaw, WA 98022; or your favorite youth organization.             

A private burial was held November 9, 2021 at Enumclaw Evergreen Memorial Park. There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at the Buckley Eagles from 1-4pm.