Gary Varra

Of Broomfield, CO died Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at his home following a brief and courageous battle with cancer. He was 67 years old. Gary was born September 26, 1942 in Boulder, CO to Frank and Aileen (Batey) Varra. Gary served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany. Following his honorable discharge, Gary returned to Colorado where he worked for both IBM and StorageTek. He also owned several businesses in the Denver area and Albuquerque, NM. In addition to farming on the homestead in Broomfield, Gary lived for many years in Nebraska where he owned a farm and raised his family. On July 10, 2000 he married Susan K. Verry in Alaska. The couple made their home in Broomfield and Glennallen, AK where they owned and operated Copper Valley Air Service. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved to explore the Alaskan wilderness. Gary also enjoyed restoring antique tractors. Gary is survived by his wife, Susan Varra; five children, Dale (Patty) Varra of Glennallen, Michelle Varra of Ault, CO, and Amy, Melissa and Kirk Varra, all of Broomfield, CO; two stepsons, Jeremy (Donna) Parker of Arvada, CO and Justin (Seemie) Parker of Westminster, CO; ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is further survived by his mother, Aileen of Louisville; two sisters, Dolores (Bud Tharpe) Mastriona of Louisville, and Judy (Dale) Bashline of Broomfield; as well as extended family members. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Varra, and by numerous aunts and uncles. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 21, 2010 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Louisville with The Reverend Timothy Gaines as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Louisville Cemetery. No public visitation is planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Darrell Howe Mortuary, Lafayette, CO. Memorials may be made to the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Attn: Donations, 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216.