Vancouver, Wash, Gary Mage tragically lost his life at 78, surrounded by his family at his home on January 20, 2025.
The PBA Hall of Famer passed away just a few days before he would turn 79 years old.
Highlights
- Gary Mage died peacefully at his home surrounded by his beloved family on January 20, 2025.
- His wife, Tony, helped him manage the Northwest and Western regions.
- He chose Josh Blanchard to take over the responsibility for PBA regional operations in the West and Northwest after his retirement in 2020.
Gary Mage was a prominent figure in professional bowling who made significant contributions to the sport as a player and an administrator.
He bowled on the PBA Tour primarily during the 1960s and 1970s, winning the 1972 Seattle Open.
He founded the PBA Northwest Region in 1979 and served as its regional director until his retirement in 2020. Similarly, he managed the PBA West Region from 2004 to 2020
Gary was highly respected within the bowling community for his dedication and integrity. He mentored many professional bowlers and was a friend to many.
Moreover, he was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2022 for his meritorious service. His influence on the sport and the lives he touched will live on forever.
Gary Mage’s Wife And Family Mourns His Tragic Loss
Gary left a lasting legacy in the bowling community and deeply impacted those fortunate to know him. He was true to his private and humble nature.
Sadly, he passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his beloved family members and friends.
Gary and his wife, Tony, had a deep affection, mutual respect, and years of shared memories. Their marriage was defined by love and devotion.
She was with him through every phase of their journey together, supporting him through the good and challenging times.
The married couple hasn’t talked much about their personal lives but shared glimpses of their life on social media. They haven’t widely publicized their children even though they have become grandparents.
Gary was proud of their children and showed them how much they meant to him with every chance. His family members were always his cornerstones, and his wife was the love of his life.
Tony’s Facebook account mentioned Lauren LaLa Fifield as their daughter. Likewise, it mentioned Felecia Mariee Accurdi and Cody Robert Jay Accuardi as their granddaughter.
Furthermore, Gary took over the reins from Mike Friedrichs and became Western Region Manager in 2004. He managed the Northwest Region and Western Region with his wife’s help.
His family and friends find comfort in the love and respect he leaves behind as preparations are made for a memorial service.
He was one of the beloved figures, and his friends and family remembered him in numerous tribute posts.
If it wasn’t for Gary I wouldn’t have joined the PBA and bowled these tournaments. I’ve known Gary and Toni pretty much my whole life, from watching me set up plastic pins and trying to copy my dad’s huge high back swing when I was a little kid, to watching me compete and watching me win my first regional title and watching me win player of the year, those are the memories I’m always gonna cherish.
Chris Tuholski
Gary Mage Announced His Retirement At The End Of The 2020 Season
The PBA Hall of Famer Gary Mage announced his retirement from the PBA after 40+ years of service. He retired from the bowling industry just a few days before his 75th birthday.
PBA thanked him for his hard work and dedication to the organization over the years and wished him all the best in his future endeavors.
Josh Blanchard, a three-time PBA Tour champion, succeeded him and took over the responsibility for PBA regional operations in the West and Northwest.
He announced his retirement from the full-time PBA Tour competition in 2020 and joined regional tournament operations on November 9.
Josh felt privileged to follow in Gary’s footsteps and hoped to continue many of the long-standing events he developed over his tenure.
Moreover, he will also be responsible for developing the schedule of tournaments and overseeing onsite tournament logistics.
I’ve been a bowling center owner, pro shop operator, and touring player, so I brought a lot of experience to different areas of the sport into this position. You have people you’ve built relationships with over a span of many years. It’s hard to let go, but it’s time.
Gary Mage
Gary was happy to know that Josh had taken his place. He believed in his talent to move the regional program forward and build a program that would be successful for many years to come.
Although the Hall of Famer will be missed in the PBA, they were fortunate to have found the perfect fit in Josh Blanchard.
I was a bowler like all of you guys. The only difference is instead of complaining about my cross, who I was following, or who was throwing all the bowling balls, I made the mistake of complaining that there weren’t any tournaments to bowl in the Northwest. Next thing I knew, I was the regional manager for the Northwest.
Gary Mage
Additional Information
- Gary Mage was the PBA and ran more professional tournaments than anyone ever as the creator and manager of the Northwest Region.
- He never cared about titles, but the good behavior of others, and he was always there to help if someone needed him to straighten their lanes.
- He was a good friend of PBA Hall of Famer Marshall Holman since they were teenagers.
