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Gary Lynn "Sprocket" Finke

1981 - 2023

Gary Lynn "Sprocket" Finke obituary, 1981-2023, Idaho Springs, CO

BORN

1981

DIED

2023

Gary Finke Obituary

Gary Lynn Thornton, age 41, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 26th, 2023. Gary was born on October 31, 1981, in Wichita, Kansas to Gary and Susan Thornton. He was the firstborn of three children. Gary loved adventures with his family and friends.

After moving from Derby, Kansas to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2004, Gary began classes at Colorado University. He pursued his life's adventures on the Colorado and Arkansas River, working as a raft guide. During the winter months, Gary worked as a Snowboard Instructor at Breckenridge Resorts. Gary loved being outdoors and the beautiful mountains of Colorado.

Gary is survived by his mother, Susan Finke, stepfather, Tom Finke, brother, Christopher Thornton, sister, Ashleigh Gatlin, his niece, Avery Rose Gatlin, his nephews, Levi James Thornton, and Asa Bennett Gatlin.

A Private Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 15th, 2023.

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

Published by Colorado Community Media from Oct. 12 to Oct. 25, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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2 Entries

David Babin

October 13, 2023

Condolences to Gary´s family and loved ones. Gary had a heart of gold.

Dave

October 13, 2023

Gary "Sprocket" was our raft guide when my family came to visit me in Colorado about 14 years ago. He then took me and a couple of friends on a private whitewater tour. I am so saddened by this. I also helped him with classes at Pikes Peak State College. What a tragedy.

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