Obituary of John Pard Gay

John P. Gay April 14, 1940 - March 11, 2016 John P. Gay, a resident of Battle Ground, WA, passed away quietly at home March 11, 2016. John was 75 years old and was born in Billings, Montana, April 14, 1940. Being the son of a military father, he traveled quite extensively. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy. John was a truck driver by trade but found his love of softball early in life. He started pitching in school, continued in the Navy, and became a serious pitcher at 30. The teams John played on were national contenders every year. He taught his daughter how to pitch better, then he eventually became obsessed with helping anyone who wanted to learn. There was so much interest in his teaching and coaching style, he started Complete Pitching Clinics, and had clinics throughout the region. John was even invited to clinics in Alaska and Hawaii. John was often invited to lecture at colleges, national coaching clinics and all-sport clinics. This was to provide training for coaches as well as athletes. Every year many of his athletes have gone to pitch at the State, Regional and National level, usually in more than one division. Some have received college scholarships because of the skills John helped them improve. His love of softball was not just helping the girls to be better pitchers, but also to inspire them to be better people. John was honored by his induction into the Vancouver Girls Softball Association VGSA Hall of Fame March 6, 2016. John is survived by his wife, Anita, his eight children, three step-children and many grandchildren. Services will be held Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 11:30AM at the Church of Christ Restored, 2602 NW 151 Street, Vancouver, WA 98685. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John's name may be made to VGSA or the Church of Christ Restored. Straub's Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation was in charge of the arrangements. To send condolences or to sign the online guestbook please visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.