Gary Lee Mattox passed away at age 71 in the Arizona Heart Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz., on April 27, 2016. He had developed a massive infection around his pacemaker.

He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on March 16, 1945.

He moved to Coupeville when he was about 10 years old.

He is survived by his brother Roy (Mike) Mattox, of Carnation; his niece Diane Neuman, of Spring, Texas; his nephews, Harry and Chris Allen; and many cousins and other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his sister Gail Welches, his mother Jean and father Roy.

Gary was a hell of a nice guy. People knew him as the kind of guy that would give you the shirt off his back. He spent his working life as a cook at various restaurants in Washington, Las Vegas, Alaska and, finally, in Arizona. He gave away his share of free lunches to people who needed them. That was the way he was. He was a very independent person.

His family and friends will miss him greatly.