Gary R. Whitehead, age 57, died suddenly July 7 in Kirkland.

Until recently he was a resident of Eagle Harbor Marina, where he lived aboard his sailboat, the “Ruby Warrior.”

Born Oct. 6, 1947, in Seattle to Alpheus and Hilma Whitehead, he graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 1965 and attended Shoreline Community College and the University of Washington.

He served six years in the Marine Reserves and spent most of his professional life in a family-owned business, building homes and restaurants. He was restaurant manager for Cafes, Inc., manager of Crystal Creek Cafe in Bothell and Village Square Cafe in Redmond.

He moved to Bainbridge Island in 1999 to be close to his mother, who resided in Messenger House, and he lived there until 2004. She preceded him in death.

He is survived by his brother Jerry (Judy), sister Susan (John) Vander Hoek, nephews Peter and David and niece Briana all of Bainbridge Island; and Julie Kuehn of Edmonds.

A memorial gathering will be held from 1-5 p.m. July 17 at the Indianola Clubhouse. Arrangements and cremation are by Acacia Funeral Home in Lake Forest Park.