Gary Russell Mcdonnell

Gary McDonnell, 75, of Lakewood, passed away on January 28, 2011 with his family at his side. He was born in Columbus, Wisconsin on February 19, 1935. He was the son of the late RC McDonnell and the late Helen McDonnell. He was preceded in death by his brother John Richard and sister-in-law Winifred McDonnell. Gary is survived by his loving wife and companion of 55 years, Patricia Joan McDonnell and children, daughter Patty McDonnell Sheil and husband Richard Sheil, sons Michael Gary and his wife Amy McDonnell, Brett and his wife Zhivonni McDonnell, grandchildren Christopher and his wife Kate, Devan, Paige, Brooke, Peyton and Torre, great grandson Carson along with several nieces and nephews.

Gary grew up in Jasonville, Indiana and received his bachelor and masters degrees from The University of Indiana, home of the Hoosiers. He went on to become the Director of Recreation for the City of Loveland, Colorado and Director of Recreation for the City of Lyndhurst-South Euclid, Ohio Recreation and Park District. He moved on to become the first Director of Parks and Recreation (Community Resources) for the City of Lakewood, Colorado where he dedicated 23 years of service to the City of Lakewood.

Gary's professional achievements include the development of an 18 hole golf course in Loveland, Colorado along with a 27 hole golf course in Lakewood, Colorado "Fox Hollow Golf Course". He was responsible for the creation of 76 individual park sites in Lakewood along with several multi-purpose recreation sites. The "Gary R. McDonnell Park" was constructed and named in his honor following retirement. Other honors include Parade Marshall for Lakewood on Parade Festival, featured in a book on the 25 year history of Lakewood, served as President of Colorado Parks and Recreation Association, Chairman of Midwest Parks and Recreation Society, member of Board of Trustees for National Parks and Recreation Association, Chairman of the National Forum, Chairman of the Hershey Track and Field Program received from his peers the National"Fellow" Award, Midwest "Fellow" Award and State "Fellow" Award, along with being named as "Runner Up" for Volunteer of the Year by the Colorado Teachers Association for helping students read in grades 1-3 at 3 different elementary schools.

Gary had a passion for his career and commanded respect when we walked into a room, but more importantly, Gary had a passion for his family and friends. He loved a good joke and knew when it was time to have fun and time to get down to business. He will be missed but NEVER forgotten.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday February 4 at 10:00am at the Link Recreation Center, 1295 South Reed Street, Lakewood, Colorado 80232. In lieu of flowers, donation can be made in Gary's name to:

Collier Hospice Center (Lutheran Hospice) 3210 Lutheran Parkway, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.exempla.org/hospice

Lakewood Legacy Foundation 1580 Yarrow Street Lakewood, CO 80214

Email: [email protected]

Web: lakewoodlegacy.org

Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Woods Chapel, Golden, CO.