He served 4 years in the United States Navy before moving to Colorado in the early 1970’s.
Gary was employed by James Drilling Inc., where he met his wife of 51 years, Jeanette "Jan" Vallas. Gary and Jan started Sweet Water Pump Service in the mid 1980’s primarily working in the Denver Metro area and in 2000 started working primarily in Grand County, CO. In 2017 they retired and spent time traveling and enjoying their family time, as well as their second home in Granby, CO.
Gary will be remembered for his love of dogs and love and enjoyment of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time in the mountains, fishing and camping. He enjoyed oceanfront vacations in the US and Mexico. He was an avid reader of books and current news.
He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Amanda Jones.
He is survived by his wife, Jan Vallas; daughters, Monica (Clark) Hager and Kim (Dale) Jones; his grandchildren, Mel Jones, Jason (Morgan) Hager, Sarah Jones, and Bradley Hager; and great grandsons, Colt and Chase Hager.
Visitation will be held on September 1, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary in the Serenity Pointe Chapel, 7777 W 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.
Services will be held at the same location on September 2, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. A reception will be held immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Jan Vallas, which will go to an educational fund for his two great grandsons whom he adored and was able to spend many hours of fun being entertained by the little tykes.
