He was born on March 31, 1938, on a farm in Plymouth County, Iowa to Dwight and Evelyn Riter.
He is survived by his son Evan Riter, daughter Jodi (Jeff) Shields, grandchildren, Olivia Root, Jacob (Emily) Shields, Evan Riter, Jr, Jessie Shields, and great-grandchild Wyatt Root. He is also survived by siblings Russell Riter, Judy Bennett, and David Riter.
Gary was preceded in death by his precious wife, Joyce (Lanphear) Riter. He met Joyce on a blind date and they married on July 1, 1960. He lovingly cared for her for the next 60 years.
Gary spent his childhood in Plymouth County, Iowa; moving to Pipestone, Minnesota in 1950, then to Loveland, Colorado in 1956
Gary lettered in wrestling, track, and football while attending Loveland High School. After graduating in 1956, Gary attended Colorado State University. He competed in the 1959 NCAA wrestling championships and became the recipient of the Marshall Feed Yards Wrestling Scholarship, after winning the Skyline Conference championship for the 147-pound weight class. Gary majored in physical education and minored in math while attending CSU. He received his Masters of Mathematics from the University of New Mexico.
Gary began his teaching career in Holly, Colorado. He then taught for several years in Brighton Colorado at the high school before moving his family to Colorado Springs to teach math at Air Academy High School. He retired in 1993 from Rampart High School. Gary was a gifted math teacher, wrestling coach, golf coach, and mentor. He enjoyed helping students learn life through math.
Gary attended Grace Bible Church in Colorado Springs and was honored to serve on the Communion Committee.
He enjoyed numerous ski trips with the grandkids, playing the piano, crossword puzzles, traveling, golf, and watching the Colorado Rockies baseball games with his wife, Joyce.
One of his greatest joys was being a grandfather and a great grandfather. He was their papa, and he cherished every moment with them.
Gary was a source of strength, generosity, and integrity and he will be deeply missed by many.
My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalms 73:26 NKJV
A celebration of life for Gary will be held Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Swan-Law.com for the Riter family.
