Jack Gedney, Costco exec

John Warren "Jack" Gedney, a retired U.S. Navy commander who had traded his uniform for the mufti of a Seattle Costco executive, laid out his life itinerary by the time he could vote: He'd be a career military man, retire at 42, then enjoy a second career in business.

The stability, money and travel benefits would be substantial, and he could still enjoy his family and many interests.

"Jack had it figured out," said his wife of 27 years, Dixie Gedney of Woodinville. "He was very proud of serving his country as he did, but he also was very happy with everyone up here and the work he did.

"He helped Costco develop their gas-station division, and they put in more than 100 stations all over the country. It's been a success, and he was looking forward to doing even more."

Mr. Gedney died Sunday (Feb. 20) of cancer. He was 53.

"When he first got sick and was in the hospital last fall, we got more than 50 bouquets from around the country," said his daughter, Janya Gedney of Kirkland. "He was just my dad and a wonderful man who never let us feel there was anything more important than us. But I realized he meant a lot to many others, in the service and at work."

Born to a businessman and his wife in White Plains, N.Y., he grew up in Chappaqua, N.Y. He took his first train ride at age 10. Four decades later, he had ridden trains around the world, and devoted an entire room in his home to a miniature Lionel layout and pictures and books about trains.

After earning a business degree at New York's Ithaca College, he joined the Navy as a Supply Corps officer. He served aboard the USS Jason in Vietnam.

He earned an MBA in 1978 and continued work with the Navy in Hawaii, New York and San Diego. After retiring from the military in 1989, he became a manager at Price Club in San Diego.

Mr. Gedney moved to Issaquah in 1994 after Price Club merged with Costco. He developed the company's business delivery venture. In 1996, he assumed control of Costco's gas division, traveling widely to open new stations.

He was diagnosed with lung cancer last May but continued to work when he felt well enough, living well beyond his physician's prognosis of two months, his wife said.

"Jack was courageous and determined all his life," she said. "He was aboveboard in all his dealings, and highly ethical. He treated everyone the same, from executives to janitors. He always had a joke or a story to tell."

Some of those stories, she said, involved trains, the military and cars. He had owned several Corvettes, and his latest love was a silver 1967 Ford Thunderbird.

Mr. Gedney kept several horses at his Woodinville property. "He loved riding," his wife said. "On summer evenings when it was light late, I would have the horses saddled so we could take off trail riding when he got home from work. We had great times."

Also surviving are his mother, Viola Failmezger, and brother, Robert Gedney, both of Pennsylvania.

Services are at noon today at Mary Queen of Peace Church in Sammamish. Remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society.