Gregory Gaylor

Gregory Gaylor, 71, passed away Monday, August 22, 2022 at his home in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He had been a resident of Rock Springs for 42 years and former resident of Brighton, Colorado.

Mr. Gaylor was born January 28, 1951 in Denver, Colorado, the son of Donald and Wilma Seidenberg Gaylor. His parent owned and operated the family grocery store in Brighton, where Gregory gained an appreciation of farm fresh fruits and vegetables. He enjoyed cooking and eating sit down meals with good company throughout his life. He often reminisced about his idyllic childhood in Colorado.

Gregory was an artist his entire life, Showing talent as a child. He attended Brighton High School and spent his junior year abroad in Sweden. The experience created indelible sensory memories of light and the sea. Upon graduating from High School in 1969, he embarked on his formal training in art at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. His style had begun taking shape and after graduation he returned to Europe, this time to earn a Master of Fine Arts in mosaics in Ravenna, Italy. His influences ranged from the ancient to the modern, but he always returned to the Italian master Giotto for inspiration.

His professional life in America began in the Boston and Pittsburgh areas in restoration work at various cathedrals and churches. Gregory was a committed Christian and this is reflected in all of his work.

It was a connection to his childhood friend, Dan LaPointe that brought him to Rock Springs, where he met Kathleen Menghini Eversole. They were married in 1988. They had a shared love of art and literature and in watching their children grow into adulthood.

Gregory served as the Director of the Community Fine Arts Center from 1991 to 2000. He was instrumental in bringing exhibitions and performances to the community throughout his tenure. He most enjoyed featuring local talent and nurturing young artists. He had a warm respect for the local art community.

In 2012 a catastrophic fire destroyed his studio on Muir Avenue, much of his work going up in flames. Undeterred, he immediately rebuilt and the new studio built on the ashes contains work completed from 2013 till the present. His final completed piece is an iteration of The Last Supper. He spent his last days delighting in bird watching and birdsong.

Survivors include his wife, Kathleen Gaylor of Rock Springs; one daughter, Jesse Berry and husband Levi of Happy, Texas; one son, Wesley Eversole and wife Alexis of Denver, Colorado; five granddaughters, Daisy, Emily, Etta Jane, Olive and Mia and his beloved cat Sally; two nephews, John Frey and Casey Frey and their families in Colorado; as well as many stalwart friends he made and kept along his colorful journey.

Gregory was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Carol Ann Frey, his lone sibling.

Following cremation, a Rosary and Celebration of Life will be conducted at 12:00 P.M. on Friday, August 26 at the Vase Funeral Chapel, 154 Elk Street, Rock Springs, Wyoming. Friends may call one hour prior to services.

The family respectfully requests donations in Gregory’s memory be made to Community Fine Arts Center, 400 C Street, Rock Springs, Wyoming or the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be left at www.vasefuneralhome.com