Cary Gilbert Hall

Cary Gilbert Hall, was born on November 12, 1937 in Arlington, Nebraska, to Gilbert and Bertha (Hansen) Hall. He passed peacefully at home at the age of 88 on September 27, 2026 in Longmont, Colorado.

Cary moved with his family from Nebraska to Colorado in 1949. He graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in 1956. He married his high school sweetheart, Judith Cundall, on June 21, 1959, in Wheat Ridge, Colorado at Holy Cross Lutheran Church.

Cary graduated from the University of Denver in 1961 with a degree in Business Administration. He spent three years working for Montgomery Ward as a Buyer in their mail-order department. He enlisted in the Air National Guard in 1961 and served as an Air Policeman for 5 years, having been called to Active Duty shortly after enlistment. He was released from Active Duty in 1962. Being a third-generation nurseryman and not having the desire to relocate to another state with Montgomery Ward, he returned to the nursery industry where the rest of his years were spent in various capacities. He worked at Marshall Nurseries in Wheat Ridge, Colorado alongside his father and brother. Co-Owned Green Acres Nursery in Arvada, Colorado and was a Sales Representative for Balcom Chemical Co in Greeley Colorado.

In 1985 Cary began working for himself as an Independent Sales Representative selling wholesale nursery stock. This opportunity allowed he and his wife, Judie, to travel 10 western states on a yearly basis to call on his customers. Along the way, they met many people and gained new friends both in and out of the industry. He retired in 2022 at the age of 85.

Cary was a member of the Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association (CNA), serving on the board for many years, and helping establish the ongoing certification program and the Colorado Horticulture Research and Education Foundation, which awards scholarships each year to aspiring horticulture students. He served as President of the CNA in 1977. He was awarded the CNA Hall of Fame Honorary Life Membership in 1995. He served on the Colorado Garden Show Board for several years including 1975-1977 when was President. In 1978 he was an American Association of Nurseryman Governor. To say he was a huge presence and influence in the industry is an understatement.

For 13 years, along with his wife Judie, he served as Executive Director of the Colorado Nursery Association.

Cary was active in Jaycees in Arvada, Colorado from 1966 – 1973, having served as Colorado State President in 1971-1972.

Cary also took interest in his children’s desire to rodeo in the late 70’s and early 80’s. He served as the Colorado State High School Rodeo President and was a rodeo announcer. Many weekends in the Spring and Summer were spent attending High School and Little Britches Rodeos throughout the state.

He was a longtime member of the Lutheran Church and served as President of Church Council for St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Arvada, Colorado and Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Gunbarrel, Colorado. He had been a member of First Lutheran Church in Longmont, Colorado since 1987.

Cary was an avid Denver Broncos fan, attending games as often as he could as a season ticket holder with his dad, brother and other family or friends. He even purchased his season ticket holder stadium seats when Mile High Stadium was demolished, as a keepsake.

He enjoyed fishing, golfing, traveling, football, NASCAR racing and Country Western Music (the real stuff). Cary and Judie had a vacation home in Fraser, Colorado for over 40 years, having lived in Fraser for almost a decade before returning to Longmont. They traveled many miles in their 42’ RV and while they worked, they spent time in the warmer climates of the California Desert for many seasons, again making many great friends.

He had a great sense of humor, a memorable laugh, a kind smile and loved people. A great father, husband of 67 years and friend to many he will be deeply missed and remembered by all who knew him.

Cary is survived by his wife, Judith Hall of Longmont, Colorado; his son, Kevin (Mindy) Hall of Kiowa, Colorado; daughter Kara (Matthew) Keenan of Frederick, Colorado.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jessica Pritchard, Jared Pritchard, and Ellis Keenan and great-grandson, Owen Limback.

He was predeceased by his parents Gilbert and Bertha Hall and his brother Daryl Hall.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026 at 11am at First Lutheran Church at 3rd and Terry in Longmont, Colorado.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Colorado Horticulture Research & Education Foundation (CHREF) at 959 South Kipling Parkway, Suite 200, Lakewood, CO 80226.