Gary E. Gerhardt

April 3, 1942 ~ December 4, 2015 On the evening of December 4, 2015, Gary passed away peacefully of natural causes. His loving wife, Nancy, was by his side. Gary passed away at the Collier Center in Wheat Ridge, Colorado at the age of 73. Gary was born in Denver on April 3, 1942. He was the only child of Anna Loftus and James Edward Gerhardt. Gary was raised in Wheat Ridge and Louisville, Colorado, and lived in his Westminster home for the final 40 years of his life. He attended Holy Family High School and Regis University, and graduated with a BA in English from Western State College of Colorado. He began working as a reporter at the Rocky Mountain News in September 1967. Known largely for his coverage of environmental and land issues, he was passionate about topics such as water rights, the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone Park, and the effects of chronic wasting disease on deer and elk. He also wrote weekly columns that covered environmental and animal issues he was passionate about. He loved to receive letters from children that contained questions about animals. His favorite were about unicorns. His storied career at the Rocky Mountain News span 40 years culminating with an induction into the Denver Press Club Hall of Fame in 2013. He was also known for his booming voice and hearty laugh. Fellow journalists remember an unflappable presence that seemed to fill the newsroom. Novice reporters describe him as a teacher who was always willing to give advice. A natural storyteller, he delighted in recounting tales of the reporter in the trenches, such as one of his first assignments: coverage of the Five Points Riots of 1967, complete with tear gas. That turned out to be only the first of several times he received a tear-gas parting gift for covering a story. In 1982, he was a recipient of the National Endowment for the Humanities fellowship at the University of Michigan. He met Nancy, also a recipient of the fellowship, shortly after arriving. They were married in 1984. Their love, devotion, and genuine appreciation for one another shone through to everyone who spent time with them. In his later years, Nancy provided loving care for him every day, continuing to maintain and cultivate a sense of humor even during the most challenging health issues Gary faced. Gary was gifted in many areas including music, which was a long-time love and hobby. He was an accomplished guitar, French horn and piano player. His ability to bang out a tune on the piano was one the family’s favorite talents. His children all have fond memories of sitting next to him on the piano bench, listening to him play and singing along to the pop hits of various decades. He played everything from Elvis to big band music with an unmatched improvisation. Every song was “Garyized” in some way. He would often laugh and say that he looked more like a piano mover than a piano player.  Every member of the family had a turn singing Bad, Bad Leroy Brown at some point in their lives while he happily played away. Despite his numerous honors and awards, he talked more about his 4 children’s accomplishments than about his own. He also instilled in them a sense of justice and equality in the world. His children remember adult discussions with him about Cesar Chavez’s workers’ rights movement, unions, and civil rights. They remember a kind man who was wise, earnest, direct, and more than happy to argue every side of an issue. He endowed all of his children with the best of his many wonderful qualities, including writing, creativity, a strong work ethic, a respect for the land, a killer sense of humor, and musical ability. He delighted in going to his children’s concerts and theater events. He made each child’s birthday special, allowing the birthday person to choose the day’s activities. Often this included hooky from school and a trip to the News to watch Dad in action. He also knew how to have fun with his kids. He loved taking them into the mountains to hike, explore, and learn about wilderness. He enjoyed hunting trips and ice skating parties with his kids, and he used his love of photography to capture images of them learning to revere nature. Gary also delighted in spending time with his children’s families. He shared a love of hunting with son-in-law Jerry, and talking about literature with daughter-in-law Maggie. Son-in-law Steve was a frequent companion on escapades. Gary equally enjoyed trips with him to the Home Depot, movie theaters, the Butterfly Pavilion, and the mountains. His children’s spouses loved Gary and were eager to spend time with him and do anything he needed. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren. Most recently, his grandson Evan visited for July 4 weekend and taught his grandpa some fancy new computer game moves. Gary had an encyclopedic knowledge of the world. His mind remained strong and active through the final day of his life. His love also continued, best exemplified on that final day by the pucker he gave Nancy to request a kiss, and the hand squeeze and wink he gave his daughter. He continued to love watching sports, particularly the Colorado Avalanche and Denver Broncos. Luckily, his final game was the Broncos beating the THEN undefeated Patriots! He also enjoyed watching old Western TV shows, all movies (but especially Oscar-nominated films), and talking about literature. An avid reader, he most enjoyed biographies. To his final time, Gary loved his trips into the mountains, where he could best enjoy the Colorado wildlife that was a lifelong passion. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill Gary is survived by his beautiful wife, Nancy, and his children and grandchildren: -          Jim Gerhardt (children Kyle, Derek, and Jaxon) -          Barb DuBé and husband Steve DuBé -          Kim Perigo and husband Jerry Perigo (son Nicholas) -          Steve Gerhardt and wife Maggie Hill Gerhardt (children Emily and Evan) Please join us in celebrating Gary’s life: Funeral mass and service at Spirit of Christ Catholic Community, 7400 W 80th Avenue, Arvada 80003, Thursday, December 10, 11:00 am. The service will be followed immediately by a luncheon and informal remembrance of Gary’s life, also at Spirit of Christ. Please bring your favorite Gary stories to share! Flower may be sent to the Spirit of Christ or feel free to make a donation to your favorite charity in Gary’s name.