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Brighton High School Colorado State University

FUNERAL HOME

Goes Funeral Care & Crematory - Fort Collins

3665 Canal Drive

Fort Collins, Colorado

Gary Huett Obituary

Gary Huett

Gary Huett, 72, of Fort Collins died on February 1, 2016.

Gary was born February 10, 1943 in Denver, and grew up on a farm near Wattenberg. He graduated from Brighton High School in 1961.

Gary had an engineer's mind, and he put that to good use in earning a Mechanical Engineering degree from CSU in 1965. A few months before graduation, he married the love of his life, Karen Luelf of Fort Collins.

Gary served his country in Vietnam in 1967, and was awarded a Purple Heart after being wounded in action. In good ways and bad, Gary's experiences in Southeast Asia affected him for the rest of his life.

After returning home, Gary went on with the work of starting his career and starting a family. His daughter Gina was born in 1968 and son Mike was born in 1970. He worked for Public Service Company of Colorado for his entire career until retiring in 2002.

Gary led an active life, and enjoyed bicycling, hiking 14ers and coaching youth sports teams. Later in life, Gary participated in Larimer County Search and Rescue, and came to loathe the silly mistakes made by novice hikers. He also had a special affinity for the "It's a Small World" ride at Disney World, where he would often hop on the ride several times in a row.

Gary had an unmatched passion for cookies and customer service, occasionally demanding (and receiving) the highest level of service from the local cookie shop. His engineer's mind was kept sharp later in life by thoroughly reading instruction manuals, sometimes reading them multiple times all the way through. He was unquestionably a bear for details.

Gary was preceded in death by his brother Gale; father Joe and mother Arlyne.

Gary is survived by his wife, Karen of Ft. Collins; daughter Gina of Denver; son Mike and daughter-in-law Becky of Broomfield; grandson JP of Broomfield; and brother and sister-in-law Dennis and Sharron, of Madison, Wisconsin.

Gary was crazy about his grandson, and enjoyed watching JP play baseball, soccer, basketball and golf.

The family requests no flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Larimer County Search and Rescue, 1303 N. Shields St., Ft. Collins, CO 80524. Please visit www.goesfuneralcare.com to leave condolences and share memories.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Coloradoan from Feb. 4 to Feb. 7, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Huett

14 Entries

David McMillan

January 29, 2025

Unbelievable how fast the years past. But every year at this time, I like to take time out to remember and think about Gary. The most influential time of my life was the years in Ft Collins. I was just out of college but knew nothing about the utility business and didn´t know anyone in Ft Collins. More than helping me learn the business, Gary offered friendship outside the workplace. We had so many great memories, playing tennis, camping, rafting. He opened my eyes to so many activities I would have never discovered. When I think about all the people I have been blessed to spend time with and learned from, Gary is right at the top of that list. I missed him and hope to someday join him in heaven. RIP good buddy!

David McMillan

February 4, 2024

Another year passes too quickly. Always mixed emotions this time of year. Celebrating retirement, but missing a great friend. Still think of Gary often and wish he were still here to share some time together.

Jo Winter

February 1, 2023

Gone.....but never forgotten..he lives on in his family and friends..Bless the Huett family.

David McMillan

January 29, 2023

This month markes 7 years ago when I retired from Public Service Company. This month I also turn 72, same age as Gary when he passed. The years pass way to quickly, but my memories of Gary have not faded. He was an inspiration before these milestones and will continue to be an inspiration in the future. My years in Ft Collins working with Gary are some of the best memories and I only wish he were still here and we could reminisce about them together. Tonight I´ll tip a beer and salute my friend. I miss you buddy!

David McMillan

January 29, 2022

6 years ago today, I retired after 41+ years at Public Service. It was an exciting day and time. Then unexpected and sadly, not even a week into my retirement, I learned of Gary´s passing. It still saddens me every year. But it also reminds me to think back to all the great memories I had of Gary and our times together. And he continues to inspire me to be a better person, to work hard at whatever I am doing, and to enjoy life to the fullest. It is truly too short and Gary left too soon. Mitch Albom wrote a book, "The five people you meet in Heaven". Doing my best to get there, cause I know Gary will be one of my five. Miss you buddy!

David McMillan

January 29, 2021

Another year passes without Gary, still hard to believe. I wonder what he would have thought about all that has happened this past year. I turned 70 this year, now 47 years since I first met and worked with Gary. And to this day, I think about him and all the great memories I have from our time together. I trust he’s RIP. I miss him.

David McMillan

January 29, 2020

Another year passes to quickly. I still think of Gary often and cant believe hes not with us. I have so many great memories of our times together. Will never forget him.

David McMillan

January 29, 2019

I think of Gary often. He was a great friend and an inspiration. I still cant believe hes not with us anymore. Im sure hes climbing bigger mountains in heaven.

Jo Winter

January 29, 2019

Gary was a gentleman and a kind soul.. He and Jim Winter were good friends and enjoyed good man talks! Jim has joined Gary in heaven now and am sure their spirits are still sharing the good old times...God bless his family and friends.

February 16, 2016

Just heard of your loss. And was sad to hear that a fine gentlemen has gone. I liked his great smile and positive attitude. Take care remember him with a smile in your heart. Jo Winter (Buena Vista Co)

February 5, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
The Washburn Family (Chad, Jennie, Cael and Cian)

February 4, 2016

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. With our love and prayers, Allen & Laura Clevenger, Brady, Justin and Troy

Ken & Diane Freeman

February 4, 2016

Karen, Gina, Mike & Becky & JP: Please know that we are lifting you up in prayer. We care. Kenny & Diane Freeman

David McMillan

February 4, 2016

I am so sadden to hear of Gary's passing. I was fortunate to start my career in Ft Collins at Public Service Company working with Gary. He was an inspiration to me. Incredibly dedicated and hard working. And he would always patiently explain what and why we needed to do the things we did. Gary and I started playing tennis together in the late 1970's, taking lessons together at the Parks and Rec department. We would practice together every week and he was as dedicated to being the best tennis player he could be, as he was at everything he did. Gary took us on rafting trips up the Poudre River and later the Colorado. And he played on our company softball teams. While I haven't seen Gary since his retirement in 2002, I have thought of him often. I never really got the chance to thank him for all he did for me and tell him how much I respected him. I will miss him, but I'm thankful I have all these great memories of him. Without a doubt, I am a better person for having known Gary and spent the time we had together.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results