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Gary Colon Obituary
Gary R. Colon
November 3, 1950 - May 31, 2024
RENO - Gary Richard Colon passed away on May 31, 2024, at Saint Mary's Hospital where he was born 73 years earlier. If you were lucky enough to have known Gary you know he was interesting, witty, generous, and bright. Industrious from a very young age; Gary worked at Arctic Circle, Len Harris Meats, Merle Brennan Automotive, Smorgy's Smorgasbord (which he owned), American Strevell, Bache, and eventually retired from Dean Witter/ Morgan Stanley. He attended Robert Mitchell and Hunter Lake Elementary schools, (the original) BD Billinghurst, Reno High, and UNR, where he was a Sigma Nu. Gary was truly a product of "old Reno". He loved all sports. If you could play it, bet on it, or watch it being played Gary was "in". He was once on the Nevada Governor's Team vying in the International Bill Fishing Tournament in Hawaii. He backpacked through Europe in his youth. He invested in and traveled with a Busch Series car on the NASCAR circuit. At the time of his passing, he had a 575-day streak on Wordle. Gary generously supported the SPCA and Veterans organizations. He told the best stories.
Gary lived a great life and did it his way.
His many friends will miss him immensely but not as much as his only child, Patrick, or his grandchildren: Lucy and Sage. Gary was predeceased by his parents: Dick and LaVonne, and Susan Hammersmith, his partner of 33 years. He left a brother, Bob (Patt) of Elko, and a sister, Chris (Doug) Hansen of Reno, and Linda his ex-wife and friend.
Per Gary's wishes, no funeral will be held.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
If you would like to make a gift in Gary's memory, please donate to the SPCA of Northern Nevada, 4950 Spectrum Blvd, Reno, NV 89512, or online at spcanevada.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Colon
5 Entries
Diane Mortensen
June 16, 2025
Gary, Steve and I went to the Sparks Nugget, on a Saturday morning, to place our bets on the Kentucky Derby.
I had already decided which horse I wanted, but Gary tried to convince me that I should take a different horse. He spent 45 minutes with me, showing me the stats, and how to handicap horses.
I wasn´t convinced and placed my bet on Alyshrba.
I can´t remember the name of the horse that was favored, but he kiddingly harassed me all the way to The Masters lounge? Where there was a party for the Drrby.
We all paid $10 to teach in a hat, and draw a slip of paper, with the name of a horse. I drew Alysheba!!! Told him he had no chance against me.... Guess what?? My horse won!
I teased him al afternoon about his inability to handicap the horses.
We had soooich fun, and did this every year. Wonderful time.... Wonderful friend.
Diane Mortensen
August 9, 2024
We snuck away to the last night Henry Africa´s was open, in San Francisco... leaving my husband and my sister wondering where we ran off to! What a memory!
Mike Lampshire
July 31, 2024
So many memories of Gary when we were in high school. Some printable and some not. Gary at one point owned a Datsun 280Z and I remember riding with him one night and I don't think I have ever gone so fast in a small sports car. He liked his cars. We had given Gary a nickname of Butch and he added the last name of renegade. Rest in peace Butch Renegade my friend you will be missed.
Cathy Nye Fairbanks
June 24, 2024
Growing up on Driscoll Drive in Reno , I have many fond memories of Gary and his family. One night Gary and my sister decided to " borrow" my car and go to the drive in, even though they both weren't old enough to drive. Unfortunately for them I heard the car and my dad caught them before they could drive away. They took off across the street, and didn't get caught. My sister got back in the house and I caught her sneaking in. I was the one to get in trouble because the keys were in the car; so I pretended that I had dropped them outside. My parents never found out it was them and I was grounded. I never knew whose idea it was for a fifteen and thirteen year old to do that! My thoughts are with Bob, Chris and families. The Colons were the best neighbors and I have so many fond memories.
Regina (Reggie) Dunba4
June 23, 2024
Loved his parents, Dick and Lavonne but never knew their children but sure he was a fine man following in father's footsteps.
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