Gary was born in Glenwood Springs, Co to Harold E. Fender and Ruth A Fender. He passed away peacefully at home from incurable cancer a year and a half after diagnosis.
He attended school in Basalt, graduating in 1964. He worked on the family cattle and sheep ranch.
He attended college at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Co. and Mesa College in Grand Junction, Co where he met his future wife.
He and Linda McKissen were married in 1967.
He worked at Snowmass Ski Company on their grand opening day in 1967. He was the lift operator for the very first chair up the mountain. He worked for them for 16 years, also as snow cat operator and the last two years on Ski Patrol.
In the summer, he did ranching, construction and also was a real estate broker. He also has a pilot car business for several years, escorting oversized loads. He finished his working career as a dispatcher and bookkeeper. He enjoyed being retired, did some traveling in the motorhome.
He was a founding member of the West Eagle County Search and Rescue in the mid 1970’s. He was also a Master Mason in Carbondale and also served with his wife as her Worthy Patron when she was the Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star in Carbondale.
He always had a smile on his face, loved being with his family, loved games, his horses and dogs. He enjoyed being around people and they have lots of stories of the good times camping, hunting, and jeeping in the high country and Moab, UT. He loved spending time with his sons and their families. He made sure to attend every school ballgame, concert, plays and other events for his boys and grandchildren. He loved being “Grampa”. He loved the outdoors and in recent years of ill health, he really enjoyed the time on his patio .One of his favorite games was double deck pinochle.
He is survived by his wife, Linda, sons Kevin (Kelly), Jim (Nikki) both of Silt, Co. Four grandchildren: Shelby, Savanna, Luke and Josh. Brother, Marvin (Roberta) of DeBeque, CO and sister in law Peggy Righter (Rodger) of Washington. Also he is survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, uncles and aunts.
Graveside service at Rifle Cemetery on Friday Dec. 7 at 2:30. p.m.
Memorial Service at Rifle Funeral Home Saturday, Dec. 8 at 11:00 a.m. …read more
Via:: Post Independent