Gary Staples

Gary Staples left us peacefully in June at age 79 following a lengthy illness. Gary was a Colorado native who was the only child of Mark and Hilda Staples.

He lived in Denver until he was 16, then the family moved to a ranch in the San Luis valley in Colorado where he completed high school. He attended Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado, then enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam Era, serving in England and Colorado Springs. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, Gary returned to the Denver area and became a Master Carpenter. He was also a small businessman, being an independent home builder for several years and later working as a Realtor, then as an appraiser.

Gary had a sense of humor and enjoyed story telling, music, flower gardening, bird watching and football games. He liked dogs and adopted several over his life time. He had a talent for mechanical engineering, adapting equipment and creating gadgets to simplify everyday life.

He is survived by his wife, Carole, and children Susannah, Joel, Michelle (Randy) and Sean (Robin) plus six grandchildren.

Arrangements are in process for a graveside service at Fort Logan Cemetery.  Details will be announced when they become available. A Celebration of Life will follow at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Northglenn, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Children’s Hospital Colorado in Gary’s honor.