Garry Ray Mathews

Garry was born on January 31, 1943, in Clarinda, Iowa, to Aleatha Violet and Ray Albert Mathews. When he was young, the family moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, where he grew up and attended Fort Collins High School.

From an early age, Garry had a gift for working with his hands. He followed in his father’s footsteps becoming a talented carpenter, proudly working side by side with him for many years under the

name Mathews and Son. Later, Garry would find another passion as an automotive painter and body man. He poured his creativity and precision into every project, earning recognition and awards for

his beautiful custom work.

Cars and motorcycles were more than just hobbies for Garry — they were a lifelong passion. His love affair with engines began when he was a boy, riding in his father’s 1939 Chevrolet. He eventually bought and completely customized one of his own, turning it into something uniquely his. At just 14 years old, Garry worked hard to buy his first motorbike, a Cushman scooter — the first of many two-wheeled adventures that would eventually lead him to Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles, with the Indian becoming his favorite ride. He was the happiest with the wind in his face and the pavement stretched out before him.

Garry wasn’t just a fan of motors — he lived for the thrill of the race. He spent years behind the wheel, competing in both drag racing and circle track racing. Whether he was tuning an engine,

laying down fresh paint, or sharing stories from the track, Garry’s passion and skill left a mark on everyone who knew him.

He was a true original — proud, independent, and always his own man. Garry often described himself as a “lone wolf,” but with his big family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, he was never truly alone. His presence filled every room, and his laughter, stories, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Albert and Aleatha Violet Mathews; his sister, Carolyn Kay Stephens; his daughters, Kelly Sue Mathews, Charol Lynn Kirchoff, Melissa Lea Graves; his son, Kelly Don Kenney; his sons-in-law, Thomas Charles Kirchhoff, Clinton Wayde Mason; and two grandchildren.

He is survived by his son, Garry Ray Mathews Jr, daughters, Carol (Stephen) Kirchhoff, Stacie (Michael) Bishop, Ashley (Casey Speaker) Mathews, daughters, Shiela Marie Elliott, Sheila Ann

Recore, Sheila (David) Brustman, and Heather (Alan) Kenney-Behrman, sons Ricky Earl Graves, David Allen Graves; 29 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, as well as countless cousins, nieces, and nephews who will carry his memory forward.

A viewing will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, November 6, at Resthaven Funeral Home, 8426 S. U.S. Hwy 287, Fort Collins. A short graveside service will follow at 12:15 PM in Resthaven Gardens adjacent to the funeral home, with a Celebration of Life beginning at 1:00 PM at VFW Post 1781, 603 Lesser Dr., Fort Collins. All who knew and loved Garry are invited to join the family in remembering and celebrating his remarkable life.

He may have called himself a lone wolf, but Garry’s pack was—and always will be—full of love.