Gary Elmer Osse

Gary Osse passed away on February 18, 2020 at his home in Littleton after being diagnosed with a brain tumor on January 25. Gary was born in Denver, Colorado on January 27, 1941 to Elmer and Eileen Osse. Gary attended Denver West High School where he played basketball and participated in various school activities. He graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley and received his Masters Degree from Adams State College.

Gary taught mathematics and coached several different sports, but being a basketball coach had been his dream since childhood. Gary met his wife Judy while teaching in Del Norte, Colorado. They were married on June 8, 1968. They have a daughter Greta and son Steven, of whom they have always been very proud. They were gym rats going to camps, practices and games. Some of Gary’s fondest memories include teaching them to fish, to play golf and to make smores over the camp fire. Gary was so happy when Greta and Steven found their wonderful life partners. He is blessed with a wonderful son-in-law Jason and daughter-in-law Melissa. He especially enjoyed his six grandchildren with whom he has spent many hours playing ball, fishing, playing golf, or helping them decorate sugar cookies. Gary enjoyed trips to the mountains, visiting Disneyland and Disney World, going to Spring Baseball, Rockies and CU Buffs games with the kids. Being “Gar Bear” was very special. He enjoyed watching each of them develop as students and athletes and has been able to take part in their lives on a regular basis. His grandchildren are Jackson, Sydney, Cooper, Taylor, Owen and Caden. They have provided many hours of joy and love to Gary.

Gary taught and coached in Del Norte for 7 years. Gary and Judy moved to Lakewood in 1971 and Gary continued his teaching career at Wheat Ridge High School where he was the assistant coach until 1976 when he became the Head Coach. Gary became the Chatfield High School boys’ basketball coach when the school opened in 1985 and he remained there until he retired in 2001. Gary had the privilege of teaching, coaching and mentoring many wonderful young men and women. He was very proud of the many accomplishments of his students and players as they moved into adulthood. Gary’s teams had great success which was a testament to his passion, preparation, competitiveness, and always doing things the right way. Gary appreciated the dedication, loyalty and hard work of his assistant coaches, the support from parents and the administration, and the commitment his players made to constant improvement, having fun and developing relationships. He has a proud legacy of many of his former players continuing in coaching/teaching careers where they can positively influence future generations. To Gary, teaching and coaching wasn’t just a job – it was a passion. It was challenging and rewarding and he loved it.

After retirement, Gary worked at Fox Hollow Golf Course for 16 years where he enjoyed friendship with a great group of people and he took advantage of the opportunity to play golf whenever possible.

Gary is survived by his wife Judy, daughter Greta (Jason Kiser), son Steven (Melissa Osse), grandchildren Jackson, Sydney, Cooper, Taylor, Owen and Caden, his brother Ron, sister-in-law Marie Osse along with many nieces and nephews and other family members. Gary’s parents, Elmer and Eileen, and his brother Don, preceded him in death.

A celebration honoring Gary will be held on February 27, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gold Crown Fieldhouse located at 150 S. Harlan St. in Lakewood with a reception to follow.

Memorial donations may be made to the Gold Crown Foundation 1743 Wazee St. Suite 300 Denver, CO 80202.

A message of condolence may be left at www.olingerchapelhill.com