Gary Edward Jacobson, 80, of Anacortes, WA, passed peacefully up into Heaven on Monday, July 14, 2025, surrounded by his devoted wife and loving family.

Born in Seattle, Washington, in 1944 to Norman and Ruth Jacobson, Gary grew up alongside his siblings, Susan and Ross, in a close-knit family. They lived in Seattle and spent their summers on Whidbey Island at their family compound on Bells Beach with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Gary enjoyed playing the guitar in his teenage years with his friends and cousins. They started a dance band, called "The Regents" and played for dances on Whidbey Island and in Seattle.

In 1967, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Kaaren Schillios, the love of his life. Together, they raised four children - one son, Leif, and three daughters, Erika, Heidi, and Tina.

In his 30's, he was introduced to the love of Jesus, and he started going to Bible Study Fellowship, where he accepted Jesus as his Savior, which transformed his life. He raised his family with strong faith, love, hope, and purpose.

Gary and Kaaren settled in Anacortes in 2002, where they built a warm and welcoming home. He was a devoted husband, Dad, and Papa.

Gary enjoyed a distinguished career as a "Contracts" Attorney and as a partner at Vander Wel, Jacobson, and Yoke, PLLC, a premier contracts law firm with offices in Bellevue and Seattle, where he practiced from 1993 until his retirement in 2021.

He loved going on adventures, and he was passionate about skiing, as well as being on the water, anytime, anywhere. He loved the beach, walking through marinas, and taking his family and friends out on his boat, cruising to all of the islands in the San Juans and exploring.

He absolutely loved talking with people, asking them questions, getting to know them better. He made everyone feel seen and heard and valued.

Gary is survived by his devoted wife Kaaren of 58 years, his son Leif (Eileen) Jacobson, daughters: Erika (Bob Shupe), Heidi (Robin Schween), and Tina (Chris Hall), nineteen grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. He also is survived by his sister Susan and brother-in-law Jay Carpenter and brother, Ross and sister-in-law Sheryl Willert, along with numerous cousins.

Gary lived an incredibly beautiful life, and we will all miss him profoundly.

To share memories of Gary, please sign his online guest register. Bookmark this link: www.evanschapel.com/obituary/gary-jacobson to check for updates.