Gary Don Delforge

1938 - 2023

Gary Don Delforge, known as "Dr. D" to many, was born January 2, 1938, and passed away in his sleep on May 19, 2023, at the age of 85. Born in Manhattan, Kansas, Gary spent his youth on a corn farm in Concordia, Kansas riding his beloved pony named Tony.

After earning a bachelor's degree in physical education from Kansas State and a master's degree in health and physical education from Kent State, Gary moved to Tucson in 1963 and married Ardie (Nye) Delforge, his wife of 30 years. He received his doctoral degree in rehabilitation administration from the University of Arizona and then spent seven years as the school's Head Athletic Trainer. He then went on to start the University's sports medicine and athletic training graduate program and taught for 25 years. Gary was a pioneer in his field and instrumental in helping Athletic Training become a certified profession. He chaired the Professional Education Committee for the National Athletic Training Association (NATA) for 17 years, and later served on its board of directors. In 1998, he was inducted into the NATA Hall of Fame. However, more important to Gary than his many achievements were his students and colleagues. He simply loved teaching and being part of the athletic training community. After trying to retire once but being recruited to start the athletic training program at A.T. Stills University in Mesa, Arizona, Gary eventually did retire in 2000 and spent his retirement years traveling the world and documenting his adventures in magnificent scrapbooks. He always had a creative side.

Gary was a beloved father and grandfather, friend, and mentor to many. He had a witty sense of humor, loved to play jokes on people, and had a knack for telling animated stories. When he laughed, he laughed hard, and it was infectious. Chocolate chip cookies and milkshakes made him happy and having to learn new technology did not. He preferred the simplicity of reading the newspaper or having in-person conversations.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Girard and Bernice (Wentz) Delforge and survived by his three daughters Julie (Tim) Thompson, Sandy (John) Stribling and Kelly Delforge, and grandchildren Cami, Kendall, Natalie, Lindsay, Drake and Presley.

Services will be held Sunday, June 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at East Lawn Palms Cemetery, 5801 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, AZ 85712. Reception to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Gary's honor to the NATA Research and Education Foundation https://www.natafoundation.org/support/ways-to-give/.