Gary Wayne Estes

Gary Wayne Estes was born in Dallas, Texas on May 20, 1958 to Alfred Raymond. Estes and June LaVerne Estes. He was the younger of two children; he has an older brother, Ray Estes. Gary’s family moved to Colorado when he was twelve years old to be closer to family and for Gary’s father to find work. Gary graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1976. He went on to study and achieved two Associate degrees in Electronics from the Denver Institute of Technology in Denver and Arapahoe Community College in Littleton.

In February of 1980 Gary met Elsa in Dillon, Colorado whom he married in August 1981. It was love at first sight and it was a wonderful marriage of 44 years. From the very beginning, in spite of culture differences and language barriers Gary and Elsa made the commitment to always end an argument by sharing a cup of coffee.

Most times they were back to being happy with each other before coffee was ready. Gary was a devoted husband. Their marriage was built on pure love and trust. Gary started his own business in 1992 servicing, selling and repairing copy machines and printers. Over the years he built a good network of clients and made many friends, some of whom were very special to him. Gary liked his work and always found joy in learning new ways to solve a problem.

Gary had a child-like disposition, always happy and positive, full of wit and ready for an upbeat comment. He had a heart bigger than himself and he was always willing to lend a hand to help family, friends, his clients and neighbors. Gary was a history buff, an athlete and an artist. He enjoyed reading, writing poems and painted wonderful landscapes in pastel. Many of his paintings decorate their home. He painted a portrait of his mother, in pastels, as a Christmas present one year. The accuracy of the portrait is astonishing and highly treasured.

Gary was an avid gardener. He loved planting tomatoes, cucumbers, beets, squash and green peppers and he enjoyed sharing his produce with family and neighbors. Gary loved sports. He was a gymnast in high school, he played in three leagues of softball in his 40s which earned him the nickname “Crazy Legs” due to his fast running ability. He also played golf for as long as he could. Gary learned to speak Spanish and nicknamed himself “Garito Gato.”

Gary leaves a legacy of happiness, honesty, patience, positive attitude, strength of character and courage. Gary was as tender soul full of faith in God and always looked for the good in any situation. We will forever miss his sweet loving presence and demeanor. He enjoyed life to the fullest and loved people, food, dogs, donuts and football.

A funeral service will be held at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary in the Ponderosa Room, located at 7777 West 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO, 80033, on October 16, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

Following the funeral, a graveside service will take place at Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery, Block 13W, at the same address, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am on October 16, 2025.