Gerry Venard

Gerry was born in his grandmother’s farmhouse on September 15, 1934 in Fort Morgan, Colorado to Arthur and Irene Venard. When he was 10 years old, his family moved to Englewood, CO. He graduated from Englewood High School in 1952. After high school he worked as an auto mechanic for Harry Groussman Ford and Burt Chevrolet. In April of 1955 he married his high school sweetheart, Jean Clark.

Gerry enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve and served from 1956 to 1959, serving aboard the USS Kearsarge. He and Jean and their two oldest children were stationed in South Weymouth, Massachusetts. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Gerry and Jean returned home to Englewood, CO and added two more children to their family. He continued his career as an Inspector at Martin Marietta. He then returned to his auto mechanic roots, working for the transportation department at the Public Service Company for 28+ years, rising through the ranks until he earned the position as division manager, where he continued until his retirement.

Outside of his career, Gerry kept very busy with family activities and hobbies, including family camping trips, woodworking, photography, and hiking. He embodied the heart of a servant, and was heavily involved in the Boy Scouts of America, his church, and various homeowner’s associations in which he lived. He participated as a scout in Troop 115, a leader of Cub Scout Pack 333 and Troop 115, he earned membership in the Order of the Arrow and was an avid member of the Tahosa Alumni Association throughout his entire adult life. Gerry displayed his steadfast faith through his service and leadership positions including deacon, moderator and trustee for both Mayflower Congregational UCC in Englewood, CO and Buena Vista Congregational UCC in Buena Vista, CO. He attended Mayflower for nearly 75 years and was beloved by his fellow parishioners.

Throughout his life, Gerry prioritized his family and faith, and displayed a quiet, warm affection for his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He lead and taught by example and could always be relied upon for a job well done.

He is survived by his wife, Jean, 4 children Denise (Dave) O’Kane, Michael (Roxanne) Venard, Eric Venard, Daniel (Jerri) Venard, 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and brother Lanny Venard.

Preceded in death by parents Arthur and Irene Venard, sisters Alicia and Daisy Lou, and brother Norman.

Memorial gifts in Gerry’s name may be sent to: Tahosa Alumni Association c/o Keith Kennedy, Treasurer 2716 W Greens Drive, Littleton, CO 80123 (please note The Scouting Heritage Museum on the memo line) or Mayflower Congregational Church, 3001 S Acoma Street, Englewood, CO 80110 (Venmo: @Mayflower-Church)