Obituary for Gary Richard Quist
He was born on August 15, 1954 in Camp Kilmer, New Jersey to (Ret.) MSgt Paul R. Quist and Angelina Quist. He lived in Japan and Germany before settling in Loudoun County in 1968. After moving to Loudoun he graduated from Broad Run High School in 1972 and has lived and worked in the surrounding area since.
He worked a fulfilling career as a systems engineer at TRW/Northrop Grumman before retiring and taking on a voluntary administrative role in fundraising with the The Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department (AVFRD) where his son Matt is a Firefighter/EMT-B. Gary welcomed any opportunity to have fun and laugh, especially with his family. His favorite pastimes included family get togethers, music, movies, volunteering, and playing with his grandchildren and his three Golden Retrievers. He was an incredibly intelligent man who had a passion for US History, often visited local battlefields and played war strategy games in his spare time. Gary was an accomplished musician and often enjoyed playing the accordion, saxophone, organ and singing. His children remember him as a selfless, encouraging, loving father, friend, and role model.
After surviving a rare illness in 2008 he participated in yearly clinical trials and research at The National Institutes of Health. It was through his involvement in these trials that his cancer was discovered. He received inpatient treatment at NIH in Bethesda, MD from February to April 2016. After a hard fought battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, he succumbed to his illness and chose to live out his remaining days at home with his beloved family. Even after death Gary continues to support the research by returning to NIH for further study.
He is survived by his mother, Angelina; sister, Karen; children, Anthony & Leigh Ann Quist, Jeffery & Jennifer Waggoner, Matthew Quist; grandchildren, Maverick and Hannah Quist; and many friends and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul.
He will be cremated as per his wishes. Memorial Service will be held on May 14, 2016 at Jefferson Chapel in Ranson, WV beginning at 11:00am. The family will receive visitors between 9:30-11am. Celebration of Life will immediately follow at his daughter's home. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Garys life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department (www.ashburnfirerescue.org) where Matt lives and volunteers or Christian Heritage Academy (www.chaknights.org/give) where Tony serves as the Assistant Administrator.
The family would like to thank NIH, INOVA Loudoun Hospital and Hospice of the Panhandle for their superior efforts and exceptional care.
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