Gary Joseph Humphrey

Born December 22, 1949 in Long Beach California, Gary graduated from Millikan High School in 1968 and married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Brenda Denisse Staub, on November 29, 1969. He attended California State University, Long Beach before serving his country in the California Army National Guard from 1971 to 1977.

Gary was employed by Vons Grocery Stores at several locations in Southern California, where he was a well respected store manager. His days off were often spent on the golf course where he perfected the long shot that won him several trophies. In 1979, Gary and Brenda moved to Riverside, CA where they raised their two children. In 1982, Gary suffered a work accident that left him with a debilitating and painful lifelong injury. Although he was unable to continue with Vons, he embraced the opportunity to spend more time with his children and focus on activities that brought him joy and self-fulfillment. Gary inspired his children’s educational ambitions by returning to college to complete his degree in Geography. During this time, he discovered a passion and great talent for photography which took him on photo shoots all over the southwestern United States. Always an ardent baker, Gary earned several blue ribbons when he entered his coveted Baklava and his photos of Joshua Tree National Monument and the dunes of Death Valley into the San Bernardino County fairs. Anyone who had the delightful opportunity of sampling Gary’s baking knows that his chocolate chip cookies will never find their equal.

In 2005, Gary and Brenda realized a lifelong dream when they relocated to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. They settled in Estes Park, near the homes of their son and daughter who had blazed the trail ahead of them. Here, at the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Gary could indulge in his deepest joys - hiking, camping and photographing Colorado’s wildlife and majestic scenery.

During this time, Gary was also awarded the greatest gift of all, two enthusiastic and gifted grandsons. Gary elated in sharing his angler’s wisdom and patience with the boys. His face would light up with such glee at their antics and breathtaking cleverness.

Gary is warmly remembered for his love of family gatherings at every holiday, his pride and excitement at attending the performances and events of his children and grandsons and his unconditional generosity. His lifelong love of reading, watching and learning about space and the enthusiasm he shared upon discovering the next and greatest science fiction novel was contagious.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Edward and Bethene (Carman) Humphrey; brothers, Robert and Ronald Humphrey; and his beloved niece, Julie (Humphrey) Leal. He is survived by his devoted wife Brenda (Staub) Humphrey, his extraordinary children - daughter Jennie (Humphrey) Aspen, and son Brian Joseph Humphrey (Alisa) and by his cherished grandsons, Idan Joseph Humphrey and Cohen Lloyd Humphrey. He is also survived by the sister he idolized every day of his life, Gayle (Humphrey) Hamel, his treasured younger brothers who brought him such mischievous entertainment, David Humphrey (Kevin) and Rick Humphrey (Jill) of California, his deeply loved sister-in-law Ingrid Humphrey (Ron) of Arkansas, his adored cousin and childhood playmate Linda Zurawski (Stan) of Nevada, and his kindred spirit Barry Hoover of Florida.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pathways Hospice (www.pathways-care.org/ways-to-give) or to the Sea Otter Foundation and Trust (www.seaotterfoundationtrust.org).