Marla Tracy Pak

Marla Tracy Pak, age 41, passed away at home in Everett, Washington on July 16, 2012 after an 11 month battle with glioblastoma multiforme, a stage 4 brain tumor. Her condition was undetected until a sudden collapse in the summer of 2011.

Marla was born in Morristown, NJ, the first of three children. Her twin brothers were born 20 months later which may account for her forth right way of dealing with life. The family moved to Romeo, MI shortly afterwards when Marla was 3 and this was where many friendships were formed. They lived there until Marla was entering high school and then moved to Noblesville, IN where she and her brothers graduated from high school. Marla then left for the East Coast and Roger Williams College where she majored in Business Administration and graduated in 1992.

After graduation, Marla moved to Seattle, WA where she was employed in Customer Service for Eddie Bauer and enjoyed a mid 20s life. A few years later she met her husband to be and moved to Bellingham, WA where she started her career in the restaurant business at The Olive Garden. She was selected for management training and relocated to Seattle where she held many different management positions. Marla was often asked to take positions at short staffed restaurants around the Seattle area to help bring them back up. She resigned her restaurant management career as a lifestyle change in the late 90’s.

Marla was able to convert her service training to sales and quickly picked up an Account Representative position at Bic Graphic. Marla worked at BIC for 12 years most recently as a Regional Manager. During her tenure she received many awards and recognition from her peers and superiors and was the 1st woman on the BIC Graphic sales force to start a family. Marla was very successful in developing lasting relationships through her focus on service and details and having a keen eye for solutions. During her time at BIC, she also served on the board of the Northwest Promotional Products Association including two terms as President. She was a principal architect in the association’s successful reformation and rebranding.

Marla was well loved by co-workers, clients and friends and known for her enthusiasm and dedication to excellence as well as her commitment to her relationships and being very real. She set the highest standards for herself and always helped others to be the best that they could be. As a wife and mother, she brought inspiration and un-denying love and support to her family. Privately, she was a fantastic cook, very crafty, had an eye for photography and was a well followed ‘working mommy blogger’ for a while.

She leaves behind her husband, Lars L. Pak; and her two sons, Benjamin R. Pak and Charles E. Pak. In addition she leaves her parents, Charlie and Charlotte Tracy of Bristol, RI; two brothers, Justin E. Tracy (Amanda) of Coto de Casa, CA, and Gregory F. Tracy (Melissa) of Madison WI; four nieces and nephews; one uncle, Peter Shaw (Robin); and four cousins.