When Gary and I spent time together we did things just for the two of us.  I  hoped to give him some additional choices and a break in the routine that filled his time away from home.  We tried to really relax, and enjoy some space and time and each others company.  He would go to bed listening to and singing along with inspirational music.  He would wake up and spend more time doing the same while I fixed breakfast.  We had heart to heart chats, often over breakfast or before bedtime.  We had sessions of deep breathing and relaxation therapy with music.  We spent time in the outdoors when we could.  We shared a deep love of music and listened to a variety of it a lot.  Gary liked to watch DVDs and enjoyed the old shows finding things to laugh about throughout the episodes.  When I had my car we got around to a lot of different places:  parks, restaurants, occasional movies.  Gary loved it all and had his favorites.  We talked frequently about heaven because it was a constant theme in his conversation, often in connection with his parents.  He asked me what it meant and I told him it was a place where you were whole and at peace, without the problems you have in life.  He considered this and then said:  “I’ll go someday, not right away.”  I replied that that was my view too.  We liked driving up Poudre Canyon to spend the day in the mountains.  One of the last trips we took up there we ran into a rainstorm.  Gary became nervous about the weather so I was relieved when the rain it stopped and the sun reappeared.
Suddenly a beautiful rainbow arched across the sky.  I said, “look at that Gary.”  He stared upward, a big smile on his face, “it looks like heaven.he said.  I replied: “ it’s not quite heaven but it is close to it.  It’s a rainbow.”  He wanted to know about rainbows and chatted happily about them on the way back to town.

I will miss his open heart and loving nature the most.

Maureen Anderson (Gary's sister).

I knew Gary from the late 80's when he lived in a home in Eldorado Canyon.  Gary always had a good sense of humor and was optimistic and considerate of others.  He was easy to relate to and happy to talk to me. I even named one of the first songs I wrote for my band after a TV character he liked to talk about, ""Hoopiman C"" because of how often I heard him say it.  I'll never forget once after a big snowstorm, when clouds were draped over the Flatirons, and Gary told everyone to ""Be quiet because the Mountains are sleeping"".  So poetic, I never forgot it.  I'll miss you Buddy.

I had the pleasure of working with Gary the last two and a half years while running his day program at Community Advantage. 
Gary would always know what day it is and who he was going to see in program on what day.
Gary loved watching an episode or two of Andy Griffith before he was taken home for the day. I would sometimes sit and watch with him, he would grab my hand and tell me about his good day, and ask me to stay with him.
At times I would drive Gary home from program and always got the biggest hugs at the door while saying goodbye. Really going to miss those hugs and our talks.
Love you buddy!

I've worked with a lot of people over my past two years as a Program Coordinator with Overture, but Gary always held a special spot in my heart.  I would typically visit him at home where he would be relaxing in his recliner after day program, watching ""Father Knows Best"" or ""Leave it to Beaver"", eating a few pieces of chocolate.  He would always to hold my hand, even though his persistent tremor made it difficult for him.  I will always remember how soft and gentle his hands were, and how he was always excited to have visitors.  

He was very happy and eager to communicate that to anyone that would listen.  He would speak of how proud he was that he was taking good care of himself by exercising.  He would surprise you sometimes with the things he would remember, such as memories from previous homes, knowing when he would next visit his sister, lyics to Christmas music, and of course every word of every episode of his favorite shows and the actors as well.  

Gary was a gentle spirit who cared very much what others thought of him and was always worried that someone would be mad at him.  I hope that he knows just how special he was to so many people.  I don't know a single person that has met Gary and not fallen in love with him and his kind green eyes.

I feel so blessed to have called Gary my friend.

Gary was a unique and endearing character who could make anyone around him smile with his vigorous enthusiasm and charm.  Who else but Gary could communicate these phrases to make us laugh time and again when he would say, ""I'm in a happy mood!  You betch'ya I am!  Well, how are you doing?  Are you in a good mood, too?  I sure am.""  As Gary's former foster-care provider, I will always have fond memories of his clear and consistent expressions of appreciation, as he would often say, ""well thank you, buddy!"" 
 You are going ""up hill"", Gummy Bear.  Sincerely, Bruce LaMonica.

I used to manage the kitchen for Carmel ltd. when it was a residential facility for seventy six adults with intellectual disabilities. At that time Gary was in a program called Labor Source which provided employment support  for people with intellectual disabilities.  Gary worked for me as a pot and pan washer for some years. Occasionally, when time allowed, I would take Gary out to purchase a chocolate bar and some sneakers or jeans at the Kmart  on 28th st. He loved those chocolate bars! He was also really good at his job!  I have fond memories of him and he will be missed. 
Eva Klemens

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Gary Anderson

11 juin 1947 – 30 septembre 2017

Howe Mortuary & Crematory

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