Gary "Papa" Gene Toso

Gary "Papa" Gene Toso, age 79 of Mancos, Colorado, died 21 February 2022 in Grand Junction, Colorado at the St. Mary’s Hospital. He was born to Ernest Ingeman and Addoris Evelyn Viola Johnson Toso, on 9 April 1942, at home on the family farm near Esmond, North Dakota and was the youngest of five siblings. He loved telling the story that his parents always said he cost twice as much as the rest of his siblings because the doctor charged $20 to deliver him.

Gary grew up on their family farm in rural North Dakota with lots of cousins and extended family. He has always shared great childhood memories and stories of growing up on the farm.

He attended and graduated from school in rural Benson County, ND. One of his favorite stories was telling about the horse drawn sleigh that was the school bus and the mischief that he and some of his friends would do.

On 16 March 1962 he married Janice Ann Heisler in Minnewaukan, ND. They were married for 37 years when she preceded him in death on 24 November 1999.

Shortly after their marriage, he had the promise of a job in Washington State, and they moved from North Dakota. Their two daughters were born and raised in Washington.

He was employed at Boeing for several years then worked in the building construction industry for the rest of his working life prior to retiring.

He loved dirt biking in his younger days, later trading in the dirt bikes for snowmobiles. Many of his fondest memories are snowmobiling with his family and friends.

Gary loved to hunt, and he spent many hunting seasons in the Four Corners of Colorado near Mancos and eventually bought property and moved there in the late 1990. He and Janice moved into the new home they built in the Spring of 1998.

He married Betty Lorraine Robbins (Barnes) on 20 December 2008 in Mancos, CO, she survives.

He enjoyed the snow and looked forward to winters, so he could use his tractor to plow the snow. He loved taking the great grandkids for rides in the tractor. He looked forward to when any family came to visit. He took great delight in his grandkids and great-grandchildren.

Gary loved his family with all his heart and more. To him, his greatest treasures were his family, and he always desired to take care of them and keep them safe. He was always ready to help his neighbors, friends, and a stranger. You would most likely get a lecture from him, if you didn’t have a coat and gloves in the car and at least ½ tank of gas, in case of an emergency. He was always early, saying, “It’s better to leave 15 minutes early in case something happens on the way.” He had a big heart and would help anyone in need. He loved talking on the phone and spent many hours talking with friends, cousins, nephews, and the family. He was stubborn as hell and loved life. He tried to convince everyone that he had a birthday every month. He loved to joke and was joking until his last breath. Everyone he met loved him and he loved them back.

We love you Papa and can’t imagine life without you. You will be missed so much.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Robin (Michael) Condon of Everett, WA., Penny Toso of Monroe, WA., Shikara (Steve) Luce of Coshocton, OH. Sons, Paul (Jennifer) Robbins of West Lafayette, OH; and Cayle (Golnaz Armin) Christensen of Portland, OR.; 10 grandchildren, Samantha (James) Johnson of Colorado, Amanda Toso of Washington, Sean Condon of Washington, Mark (Christina) Condon of Washington, David (Jamie) Condon of Washington, Ian (Saxon) Condon of Tennessee, Abby (Andy) Beissel of Ohio, Rachael (Michael} Kelley of Ohio, Madison Robbins of Oregon, and Nathaniel Robbins of Ohio. 13 great grandchildren, Tanner, Lexy, Kailee-Ann, Finley, McKenzie, Ryker, Sadie, Gracie, Robert, Avabella, Nicholas, Charlotte, Zayden and two more on the way, one due in April and one in May. Additionally, he is survived by one sister, Janice (Gene) Reierson of Fargo, ND; and Sister-in-Law, Dorothy Toso of Bothell, WA. And many, many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, by his siblings Elaine (Rodney) Sundby, Laverne (James) Leier and Richard Toso and one grandson, Mark Hale.

It was Gary’s request that he did not want a funeral or a big to do about his death, and the family is honoring that request, so no formal funeral will be held.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinMortuary.com for the Toso family.