Gary Lee Campain

Gary Lee Campain

December 22, 1943 – July 15, 2025

Gary Lee Campain (81) passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, at his residence in Lakewood, CO.

Born in Salina, Kansas, on December 22, 1943, to Derald Roach and Helen (Pollard), Gary lived his

rambunctious young life in Columbus, Nebraska with his older brother, Wendell, and his mother's

extended family. He was particularly close to his grandparents and cherished his relationship with

Grandpa Pollard.

Gary was an exceptional athlete, having played baseball, football, basketball, and was a high diver in

high school. His stature and command of sports earned him the nickname "Big Gary" as a teenager.

Upon graduating from Columbus High School in 1962, he followed his passion for boxing and became a

Golden Gloves champion.

In 1965, Gary joined the Air Force and was stationed at Lackland in San Antonio, TX. He pursued his

education, delving into computer science before being shipped off to Thailand, where he served as a

Communications Specialist in the Vietnam War. After returning stateside, he married his first wife,

Blanche, and they later welcomed their only child, Shannon.

After two tours of duty, Gary joined the Federal Gov't and continued to excel in IT management. While

working at the Bureau of Land Mgmt, he met his second wife, Linda. In 1985, they had their daughter,

Jamie. His life was full with family, sports, hunting, and later, invitation-only fishing tournaments.

By the late 1990s, Gary was single again and throwing himself into the "real" cowboy life-- horses,

hunting, and frequent visits to the Ripple Creek Lodge. After retiring his fourth and most beloved horse,

Chief, he decided it was time to close that chapter and just stick with boats and trucks.

After retirement in 2001, he lived it up with many fishing trips, family visits, and unprecedented access

to Las Vegas boxing events, NASCAR races, and football games, including Super Bowl XLIV in Miami.

His greatest joy remained his family. He always placed a priority on being there for his daughters,

guiding them, protecting them, and giving them true strength. He taught his son-in-law, Craig, the joys

of fishing, and Craig in turn helped Gary keep up with technology in his retirement years. He was

honored when he became "Papa" to Colten, Everly, and Leo and appreciated the foundation of family

that Derek brought to his role of fatherhood.

Gary was strong willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense

of humor. He was generous, loyal, and brave. He was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained

through all of his life experiences: athlete, hunter, fisherman, horseman, computer specialist, mechanic,

DIY contractor-- he could fix or build anything.

He will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of

them-- and if you knew him, you knew it. He will be missed dearly.

Gary is survived by:

Daughter – Shannon (Craig), Redondo Beach, CA

Daughter – Jamie (Derek), Littleton, CO

Grandchildren – Colten, Everly, Leo

Sister – Mary Lou McMaster, Cleveland, TX

Several loving nieces and nephews

Gary was preceded in death by:

His parents – Derald Roach, Helen (Pollard) Campain

Brother – Derald (Wendell) Campain

Sister – Kimi Campain

Brother – Leon Roach

Services will be held on August 15, 2025, at Three Trees Chapel in Littleton, followed by a memorial

service at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver.

The family will host a Celebration of Life reception at the Campain Residence immediately following the

services.