Gary Wilson

Gary was born in Ontario, Oregon on April 19, 1940, one of six children welcomed by Myrna Adell (Kerns) and George Harvey Wilson. He had one brother and four sisters. He grew up in Nyssa, Oregon and graduated from Nyssa High School in 1959.

In November of 1960, Gary enlisted in the United States Navy. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam conflict. Gary was a sailor and most of his enlistment was spent aboard aircraft carriers including the USS Midway and the USS Constellation as an Aviation Storekeeper. He was based in Panama City, Florida, on JAC Squadron in San Diego, California and land duty in Naples, Italy. Gary was honorably discharged in 1972.

Following his time in the military, Gary worked in hospitality. He started from the ground and worked his way up to Hotel and Motel Management. He later worked in food service as a dishwasher and line cook before working his way up to Kitchen Manager. He worked for Schmidt’s Bakery in Loveland for more than 16 years, retiring in August of 2006.

In 1978, Gary was living in Florida. While visiting his mother in Wellington, Colorado, he was introduced to a lovely neighbor, Marie Evelyn Eager. He was smitten and fell quickly in love. Gary convinced Marie to come visit him in Florida and during that trip, Marie realized she kind of liked Gary, too. They were married six months later on November 4, 1979. They had enjoyed more than 39 wonderful years together before Marie passed away in January of 2018.

Gary was quirky, eclectic, and kind. He liked anything that kept his hands busy such as completing puzzles, making jewelry, cooking and baking. He was artistic and creative. He enjoyed flower arranging, plastic canvas needlework, and all sorts of other crafts. He was proud of the time he spent in the Navy and appreciated the opportunity that service afforded him to travel, meet new people, and learn about other cultures. Gary’s fondest moments were those spent with his family at get-togethers and on holidays. Family was what mattered most.

Gary leaves behind a beautiful legacy which includes his daughter, Debbie Brooks (Jeff); grandchildren, Chris Jones, Ryan Jones (Vanessa), Melissa Harris (Justin), and Mathew Brooks; and great-grandsons, Logan Harris, Branson Harris, and Hudson Jones. Another great-grandson and Gary’s namesake, Gideon Gerald Jones, is expected to arrive in May. He is also survived by his sisters, Shannon Jones and Lana Lay; his niece, Mary Jones; nephews, Doyle Jones and Jimmy Jones; and a nephew-in-law, Kenneth Schmidt.

He was greeted at the Gate by his beloved wife, Marie Wilson; sisters, Jackie Boothman and Leatha Wilson; his brother, Bill Wilson; niece Diane Schmidt; and by his parents, George & Myrna Wilson.

A Celebration of Gary's Life will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home in Fort Collins. For those that wish to attend, please reach out to the family directly for more details. Fond memories of Gary and words of condolence for his family are welcome at www.resthavencolorado.com.