Gary M. Laveirge

Gary Michael Laveirge, 69, of Colorado Springs, CO, passed away on November 30, 2025, surrounded by two of his daughters. After a courageous battle with cancer, Gary left this world with the same quiet determination and stubborn optimism that defined the last years of his life.

Born on April 1, 1956, at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs to Jeanne and Stephen Laveirge, Gary grew up with a quick wit and warm personality that drew people in. Though Colorado Springs was always home, Gary possessed the heart of a wanderer. Over the years, he lived and traveled through Utah, Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Minnesota. As a proud member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, he cherished his time living in Cloquet on the reservation, locally known as Nah-gah-chi-wa-nong. Reconnecting with his Indigenous Anishinaabe heritage remained a meaningful and enduring part of his identity.

Gary spent his career as a skilled tradesman whose work helped shape the Colorado Springs landscape. His handiwork endures in local landmarks such as the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Headquarters, Meadow Muffins (now Mother Muff’s), Jack Quinn’s, Thunder & Buttons, the Omelette Parlor, and many others.

A true outdoorsman, Gary came alive in the mountains. Hunting, fishing, and camping weren’t merely hobbies—they were a way of life. The time he spent in the forest or next to a lake were the moments when he felt most at home, especially when his beloved brother Bruce was sitting beside him.

Additionally, he was an audiophile through and through. Gary loved his stereo systems almost as much as the music that flowed through them. From Steve Winwood and Talking Heads to The Grateful Dead, Dave Matthews Band, and The Rolling Stones, his soundtrack was always playing—often loud enough to get the neighbors dancing, too. And if he picked up his harmonica to join in, it was certainly a party.

Music wasn’t his only favorite form of entertainment. Gary was a devoted NASCAR, Denver Broncos, and Colorado Avalanche fan—each bringing him both joy and heartbreak in equal measure.

Gary was one of seven children and is survived by his four loving sisters: Bonnie Mariani, Marion Laveirge Bradley (John), Karen Waters (David), and Marcy Chadwell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeanne and Stephen; by his brothers, Stephen and Bruce; and by his brothers-in-law, David Chadwell and Tony Mariani.

Gary leaves behind three daughters: Jennifer Jones (James), Fawna Wilcox (Andrew), and Lindsey Laveirge (Randal); as well as his stepdaughter, Christina Palmer. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Zachary Trujillo (Lauren), Carrissa Jones, Luke Pearson (Stephanie), Owen Wilcox, Bella Wilcox, and Addie Wilcox; one great-grandchild, Zarah, with another on the way.

In his last months, Gary often reflected on his gratitude for his family—his daughters he reconnected with, extended family who brought him joy, and the loved ones who showed up for him in countless ways. His final years brought healing, humility, and a version of Gary that was present, grounded, and deeply appreciative. His loved ones are grateful for the meaningful time spent with him during this chapter of clarity and renewed connection.

To sum Gary up is no small task, but he was, above all, free-spirited, charismatic, and deeply connected to nature. At his best, he had an uncanny ability to summon a smile, whether through a joke, a shared moment in nature, or simply by being his genuine self.

He would want to be remembered for three simple truths: he loved the outdoors, he loved his family, and he loved making people smile.

A Memorial Service will be held at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, located at 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, US, on January 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

Reception to follow services at Wolf Ranch Recreation Center 8705 Wolf Recreation Pt., Colorado Springs, CO 80924, from 1 pm to 3:00 pm.

The family welcomes floral tributes, which may be sent to Swan-Law Funeral Home. Memorial donations may also be made to Colorado Parks and Wildlife or to a cancer research organization of your choice.

The family extends a heartfelt thanks to the Myron Stratton Home for bringing him peace and stability, and to the Surgical Trauma Unit at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central for their compassionate care when it mattered most.