Christopher Bursum Gaty

Christopher Bursum Gaty Chris Gaty passed away January 20, 2026, at his home in Phoenix, AZ. Chris was raised in Grand Junction, after which he spent several years in upstate New York, graduating from the State University of New York at Binghamton and earning a law degree from Syracuse University. It was also in New York that Chris met Christine Dwyer. They were married in 1992 and moved to Grand Junction in 1993, where Chris joined the law firm of Traylor, Tompkins & Black. He eventually became a partner in the firm before starting his own law practice in 2007.

Chris loved living in Grand Junction, where he and Christine raised their three sons. He was active in the community, coaching youth sports and serving on the board of directors for Family Health West and Powderhorn Racing Club. He was an avid skier and spent many hours on the slopes of Powderhorn, coaching the ski racing team or simply skiing with his family. Chris was also well-read, with a particular interest in history and science, and enjoyed traveling around the country and overseas. In 2019 Chris moved to Phoenix, where he spent his final years.

Chris was preceded in death by his father Lew and his sister Jessica. He is survived by his mother Caroline; his stepmother Nora; his brothers Steve and Ted; his ex-wife Christine; and his three sons: Connor (Maddie), Dominic, and Parker. A private memorial ceremony is planned.