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Geoffrey Vaniman-Cate passed from this life into eternal life on November 30, 2023, after a long and valiant struggle with MS.

Geoff was born on January 31, 1963, in Oakview, CA. His family moved to Olympia when he was fourteen and he helped start Cate Farms. He graduated from both Timberline High

School in 1981 and Central Washington University in 1985. Geoff married Vicki Stuart, and together they raised three children—Gerad, Cara and Chadd. Geoff started and owned Big O Tires until he had to close it due to his illness. Geoff will be remembered as a family man who loved the outdoors whether it was camping, hunting, hiking, farming or tending horses – he instilled a love for the outdoors and adventure in each of his kids. Geoff was a strong man of God, and he had a gentle way of teaching and sharing biblical principals in his parenting. Even as this insidious disease ravaged his body, he never complained and was always upbeat and thankful. He will be greatly missed.

 

In addition to his family noted above, Geoff is survived by his brother Richard Vaniman and sisters Debra Vaniman Crawford and Katie Cate-Fast, as well as stepdad Jerry Wolfman. He was preceded in death by his parents Glenn and Gay Vaniman, Diane Wolfram and Frank Cate.

The family wants to thank all the wonderful caregivers at Sequoia Assisted Living for the love and care shown to Geoff. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023, at Sonrise Church of Good, at 2805 Boulevard Rd SE, Olympia, at 5:30 PM.