Gary Paul Everson, 44, Helped Create Board Game Pictionary

Like the popular board game Pictionary that he helped create, Gary Paul Everson was a diversion unto himself. He was a thrill-seeker and practical joker, quick-witted and full of dry humor.

And his witticisms and quirky behavior became known as "Garyisms" to his friends.

But above it all were his kindness and generosity. "He was a very loving man," said Bonnie London of Seattle, secretary for Seattle Games Inc., a company founded in 1985 under another name by Mr. Everson, Terry Langston and Robert Angel. The firm produced Pictionary.

"He was always into fairness. He made sure to look out for those less fortunate."

Mr. Everson died Monday at his Seattle home of complications from AIDS. He was 44.

The man who played elaborate pranks - some involving actors and several weeks of preparation - and most a little too racy to detail - also gave time and money to the Multifaith AIDS Project of Seattle (MAPS), Northwest AIDS Foundation and Rosehedge, a home for terminally ill AIDS patients. He also was a tutor for a literacy program.

"At the core, he was a kind, gentle fellow," said Langston, of Mercer Island.

As he always looked for good jokes, Mr. Everson always looked for the next adventure. He tried almost everything, from bungee jumping to skydiving. He also made a three-month solo bicycle trip from California to South Carolina in 1987.

Mr. Everson was born in Detroit and grew up in Southfield, Mich. He graduated in 1973 from Wayne State University with a degree in fine arts. He then worked in San Francisco for several years before moving to Seattle.

As the artistic force, he designed the look of Pictionary, which has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide.

His other survivors include his parents, Axel and Mickey Everson of Traverse City, Mich.; sisters Janice Ascione of Acme, Mich., Gail Migliazzo of Rochester Hills, Mich., and Judy Minke of Novi, Mich.; several nephews and nieces; and two dogs, Max and Bob.

A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at St. James Cathedral, Ninth Avenue and Marion Street in Seattle.

Remembrances may be sent to MAPS, 1729 Harvard Ave., Seattle 98122, or Rosehedge, 12718 15th Ave. N.E., Seattle, WA 98125.