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Gary Keimig

1941 - 2018

Gary Keimig obituary, 1941-2018, Estes Park, CO

Gary Keimig Obituary

On October 12, 2018 Gary Leroy Keimig passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family after a year-long struggle with Glioblastoma. Gary was born in Wichita, Kansas on September 25, 1941 to Chester and Nadine Keimig and married Eileen Hickman in 1963. Gary earned his bachelors degree at Wichita State University. In 1964, Gary and Eileen moved to Boulder, Colorado where he earned an MFA in Painting and Drawing. Gary had a rich, rewarding life as an artist, art professor, husband, and father. He taught for 43 years in the Department of Art and Art History at Colorado State University, specializing in figure drawing. Gary's body of work, prints, drawings, paintings, and sculptures, has spread far and wide. His large painting of children reading and imagining is featured prominently in the entry to the Estes Valley Public Library. But equal to his art is his legacy as a teacher, which became even more evident when word spread of his condition and students began writing to express their appreciation for his influence on their lives and art. "What I loved about your class was the humor and comfort you brought to your space." "Your high expectations helped me be the artist I am today." "You have had a profound effect on me as artist, teacher and as a person." "We just loved you for the words of wisdom you gave us during class and even discussed them after class." "One of my favorite experiences was a life drawing class I took from you. It was always a joy to attend that class where it was a calm and peaceful atmosphere and I learned so much from your passion for drawing and the figure." Gary and Eileen moved to Estes Park, Colorado in 1974 where they raised their daughters Emily and Rachel. In 1982, Gary and Eileen opened Omnibus on Elk Horn Ave., Estes Park. Gary is survived by brothers Robert and Jack Keimig, wife Eileen, daughters Emily Keimig-Crino, her husband Don and son Gavin Crino, and Rachel Canelos, her husband Alex and son Joseph Canelos, and local resident sister-in-law Phyllis and her husband Richard Gilliland. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation Estes Park Public Library. Plans for a Celebration of Gary's life will be announced in the future.

Published by Estes Park Trail-Gazette on Oct. 19, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
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Gary taught me the way he taught students in the late 60s and 70s. He often told me how he reminded me of students from his time, and he took the time to explain his technique in the post-modern way he used to to help me understand how to draw properly, I think I was a time machine for him sometimes. I know I helped him feel his teaching style still had purpose in an ever-changing art world that he felt did not want to embrace his ability for photo-realism in pencil and charcoal. He taught me how to see the shapes of things. The shapes created and the interaction they had with each other was integral in creating an accurate portrayal of how my eyes see the world.

I was a young 18 year-old freshman figuring out who I was when he was my figure drawing teacher. He saw the potential I had and often would place a piece of tracing paper over my work to help me see how I could improve upon my drawing. I never forgot how much he wanted to help his students succeed in their work even if they felt they couldn't do it. It also helped if the students took the time to hear what he had to say, many of which I would scribble down on drawings because I never wanted to miss any of his wisdom. The one I will never forget being: "90% of life is just luck," which referred to how he saw the things that happened to him in life, just happened. He also said "I believe there are more than two forces in the universe beyond positive and negative, there has to be a third which lies in-between that grounds us." His humbling observations were very important to my being and I am so happy that I wrote them down.

He was nearing retirement so he could work on his woodcuts, all of which were so beautiful. He listened to the same music I did and I would burn CDs for him to enjoy on the stereo in the studio. Between days of BeeGees, Aretha Franklin and Al Green, the atmosphere in his studio was also a time machine for me: living an era I never had the chance to. He made me the artist and person I am, I am so happy to have had a teacher that taught art for the sake of art. He had such great realism in my work that he pushed me to those levels as well, despite my inexperience as a figure drawer. I even sat in on his classes outside my schedule just to hear the wisdom he would pass on. I always wanted to make it to his home in Estes to visit, but I never made it up due to life getting in the way.

Yesterday I found my portfolio of work from his class and a floodgate of memories came back to me. It made me want to reach out to see how he was doing and I stumbled upon finding his passing and so this guest book is a wonderful way for me to show the love I have for him and which he gave me.

Thank you for everything, Gary.

Trevor Lombardi

Student

May 10, 2021

I was a student and, eventually, teaching assistant of Gary's in the late 1990s at CSU. I was saddened to come across this page just today my deepest thoughts and condolences to his family and friends.

I just thought I'd share that his skill, teachings, and calm, relaxed, yet strict, demeanor have stuck with me since graduating college. I fell away from art over the years, but recently dove right back in full-time. The search for Gary came after I attended my first figure drawing class this week since attending his classes more than 20 years ago. I knew I would return some day. I have to say that he was on my mind and will be in these classes as I try to recall all of the valuable knowledge he shared with me.

Best,
Lex

Lex Talkington

December 12, 2019

I loved Gary so much! A sweet and kind soul. I feel so fortunate to have 2 of his beautiful paintings. I only just heard of his passing.My condolences to his family.
A wonderful, talented soul.

Mary Watt Hannah

Mary Hannah

May 10, 2019

I loved Gary so much! A sweet and kind soul. I feel so fortunate to have 2 of his beautiful paintings. I only just heard of his passing.My condolences to his family.
A wonderful, talented soul.

Mary Watt Hannah

Mary Hannah

April 28, 2019

A true gentleman and a gentle man. A pleasure to have known him. Hugs to Eileen and family.

Nancy Willocks

November 7, 2018

Gary painted the wonderful mural that is in the entry of the Estes Valley Library. It's been hanging in our library since 1991. I've always loved it as so many who have visited our library have. I am so sorry for Gary's passing. He was a very kind and wonderfully talented man.

Kerry Aiken

October 29, 2018

Gary was a special person. I will remember him as a kind soul and an amazing artist and friend.
Sincerely,
Christy Martell

Christy Martell

October 26, 2018

I will always remember Gary, his kind and friendly personality and his openness. Conversations with him were always a delight, Gary was a blessing for many people.

Scott Christensen

October 25, 2018

Emily, I will always remember walking into the Omnibus, years after graduating high school, and visiting with your folks and catching up on your whereabouts. My deepest condolences for you and your family. Katie Newsom Kladar

Katie (Newsom) Kladar

October 20, 2018

We are so very sorry. All of our love to you at this time.

Andy & Stephanie Shober

October 20, 2018

Eileen and family,
So sorry for for your loss.
My sympathies,
May Anderson

October 19, 2018

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort in the words written at Jeremiah 29:11,12

Lc

October 18, 2018

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