Arthur Gary McLarney

May 29, 1942 – September 19, 2024

Art was born May 29, 1942 to Arthur J. and Dorothy H. McLarney in Seattle, WA. He passed away peacefully on September 19, 2024 in Centennial, CO.

He graduated from Stadium High School and went on to attend University of Puget Sound, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Major in Physical Education and Minors in Psychology and Secondary Education. While at UPS he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, and there he met his wife Mary Jane Miller. They were married 42 years, until her death in 2008.

Art was a first baseman at Stadium High School (Class of 1960) and the University of Puget Sound (1969) before compiling a distinguished resume as a local teacher, coach, official and slowpitch softball star. Art was a professor's aid at UPS for physical education classes. He went on to obtain his Masters of Science in Physical Education from the University of Washington (1974).

Art taught health and physical education and coached in Tacoma and Pierce County for over 35 years. He led baseball, basketball and track teams while teaching at Mt. Tahoma High School. He also coached baseball, football, basketball, track, and wrestling at Hunt and Gray Junior High schools and Lakes High School. He wrapped up his coaching career with 13 years leading the young men on the football field and basketball court at Wilson High School.

You may have witnessed Art throwing flags and blowing whistles as a high school and college football and basketball official for 23 years.

After his baseball career ended at the University of Puget Sound in 1969, Art moved to the slowpitch diamond with terrific success as a pitcher and first baseman. He played for Durobilt (14 years), Wested Tire (1 year), Poodle Dog (10 years), 6th Avenue Colts (3 years), Lollies Fast Pitch (2 years) and American Title (1 year). Art was particularly well-known in softball circles for his deceptive windmill pitching delivery. He regularly baffled batters with an uncommon assortment of pitches and deliveries.

Art was selected for the Western Washington All-Star Team in 1972 and 1973. He also earned MVP and All-Star honors in leagues and tournaments throughout the Pacific Northwest.

At one point, he was selected to pitch against Howard's Furniture in a game at Cheney Stadium. Howard's Furniture was the Amateur Softball Association National Slowpitch Champion and featured former Atlanta Braves pitcher Tony Cloninger in its lineup. He was inducted into the Tacoma-Pierce County Slowpitch Hall of Fame in 2009.

Throughout Art's teaching, coaching and officiating career, he always found time for his family. One of his favorite things to do, cheer on his daughters in their sporting activities – tennis, basketball, cross country and track and field. He and his family spent many summer vacations at Sun River enjoying canoeing, hiking, biking, tennis and the occasional horseback ride. Art and Mary Jane enjoyed Mariners games and Husky football from the 30-yard line for many years.

Once Mary Jane and Art were retired, they took their first cruise to Alaska, taking time to visit friends as well as seeing the sites.  They also travelled to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, discovering Scandinavian history, meeting new people, and making new friends. Later Art enjoyed living in the Phoenix area, near the Mariners' training camp and having his daughters and grandchildren visit him during their spring breaks.

Art is survived by his daughters, Laura Jane Akre and husband Kris and their daughter Thea; and Mary Brynne Beisel and husband Kevin, and their daughter, Rachel and son Jacob; and Art's sister Andrea Stein.

The family wishes to thank Peakview Assisted Living and Bloom Hospice for their loving care of Art.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Art's name to Toys for Tots.

A viewing will be held at New Tacoma Cemeteries in University Place on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Services will be held at Central Lutheran Church in Tacoma at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 14, 2024, and a graveside service will follow at New Tacoma Cemeteries in University Place at 2.00 p.m.