Gary Lynn Lewis

Gary Lynn Lewis Broomfield - Gary Lynn Lewis (69) of Broomfield, Colorado, died peacefully on June 14th (Flag Day) surrounded by loved ones. Welcoming him into heaven was his father, Martin Lewis.

To know Gary was to know someone truly special. He was born in Marion, Ohio, on September 17, 1953. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Imperial, California, only to return to Marion in 1968, as Gary was preparing to enter his sophomore year in high school. Despite moving around during his childhood, Gary was able to make lasting friendships, a distinctive trait that he maintained throughout his life.

Gary was a proud graduate from The Ohio State University. Go Bucks! After college, he enlisted in the Marines as a 1st Lieutenant in search of a better opportunity. He knew no one and had to forge his own path. Little did he know that this single decision would forever shape his life. Gary attended Officer School in Quantico, Virginia, and served as a Logistics Officer at 29 Palms, California, until he was honorably discharged in 1979.

The lessons Gary learned throughout his youth about perseverance and believing in himself would be the bedrock for future challenges in his life. He made lifelong friendships with his military brothers and fostered a deep connection to Country that he carried throughout his entire life. Gary always taught love and respect for our nation to his family, friends, and most anyone who would listen.

Upon discharge, Gary was recruited by Schneider National, a logistics company in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He was faced with the similar situation of moving somewhere where he knew no one. Gary made Green Bay his home for the next 36 years and, in addition to a successful career in Logistics, he spent that time on what he would call his greatest accomplishment-raising his two loving daughters, Sara and Amy. Gary could always be found cheering from the sidelines of a soccer field, watching intently from the stands at a tennis match, or socializing amongst the many friends he treasured, especially the friendships made on Miramar Drive.

Gary and Mary were fortunate to be able to reconnect later in life. They were married in the summer of 2018 and were committed to peacefully enjoying the rest of their lifetimes together. Following Gary's well-deserved retirement in 2022, he was looking forward to relaxing and spending more time in his happy place of Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, with friends and family.

Gary lived his life with confidence, conviction, and he always made those around him feel seen and welcomed. Most of you have probably had the opportunity to enjoy a cold beer with Gary while he entertained with his unique sense of humor. He was the biggest giver; what was his was yours. He was always the first to arrive-it had to be five minutes early-and he was the last to leave the dance floor. Gary's physical and mental strength were superhuman, although his height was not. He was a fierce competitor; it didn't matter if it was a 100-mile bike race, a half marathon, or a family game of Yahtzee. He didn't take shortcuts, and he wasn't afraid of standing up for what he believed in.

In January 2023, Gary was diagnosed with a very rare, aggressive form of anaplastic thyroid cancer. His Marine values held true as he faced this relentless disease with honor, courage, and commitment. While he ultimately lost this painful battle, it wasn't without a great fight. Once a Marine, always a Marine.

Gary is survived by his wife, Mary Lewis, devoted daughters Sara (Tobias) Veit and Amy (Matthew) MacCarthy, and five beloved grandchildren: Ava, Cole and Blake Veit, and Katherine and Jack MacCarthy. He is also survived by his loving mother, Jeanne Lewis, loyal siblings: James (Kris) Lewis, Donna Evert, Robert (Herb) Lewis, and Richard (Amy) Lewis. Gary also leaves behind his two stepsons, Liam (Abby) and Sean (Abby) Duncan plus many wonderful nieces and nephews and their children.

Gary's family cannot express enough gratitude for the care and compassion he received at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. In particular, the families would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Janus and Dr. Abia for treating Gary like he was part of their family. Gary and Mary are forever grateful for the hospitality they received at The Gabriel House. They would also like to thank the care team at Bristol Hospice for helping make Gary comfortable in his final days.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Kress Pavilion in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, on July 30. Visitation starts at 9:30 a.m. with a service at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch. All friends and family are welcome. In lieu of flowers, Gary wished for donations to be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org).