Gary "The Grrr" Loritz

Gary "The Grrr" Loritz 1949 ~ 2007 Gary "The Grrr" Loritz died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, March 12, from ALS at the age of 57. Gary was attended by his loving wife Kristie. Gary was born in Biloxi, Miss., on Nov. 11, 1949, while his father was in the Air Force. He was raised in Southern California until 1963, when his mother, sister and brother David moved to Park City. Gary attended Park City High School and graduated from Skyline High in 1967. Gary attended the University of Utah where he was on the ski team. Gary's passion for skiing started in 1963 at Treasure Mountain Resort, now Park City Mountain Resort, where he was on the first ski racing team and was coached by Gordy West and Jim McConkey. His passion for skiing continued throughout his life. He was a world-class ski racer and well known by USA Ski Team members and the racing community. He and Claudio Vianello founded the USSA Alpine Master's Ski Racing Program. Gary was known for his love for speed, his impatience with tight courses and his quick wit. His lifelong contribution to ski racing is celebrated with the USSA Alpine Master's Loritz Cup held in January. Gary built his ranch, "Racers Roost," in 1995, where he raised his horses and ran his business, Spa Tenders, started in 1984 and now run by his son Gordy. He had a strong spiritual connection to the Escalante River on Lake Powell, where he loved to take family and friends. Gary is survived by his loving "Angel" wife Kristie; his beloved son Gordy; father Edmund Loritz; sister Kathy Loritz-Mechling; and brother Danny Loritz. Other family members include Sally Lundstrom Loritz Sunberg; Sheila Loritz; Brook Haven and Janzen Gower; Patricia, Tracie and Stephie Fails. He is preceded in death by his mother Lianne K. Parks and brother David Loritz. His beloved and faithful dog, Sierra, died shortly after his death. There will be a celebration of Gary's life on March 31, from 2 to 6 p.m., at Butcher's Restaurant on Park Avenue in Park City. All friends and family are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, please send a contribution to your favorite charity.