Gary, age 85, passed away peacefully at Alta View Care Center with his beloved wife Jan and neighbor Rhonda Sutherland by his side on July 25, 2024.
Born June 20, 1939, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Raymond and LaVerne Colbert. Married Janet Billings on September 11, 1960. Jan was the love of Gary’s life, and it was inconceivable to have Gary without Jan. They have been married for 65 years. They had two children, Ron G Colbert and Rick B Colbert.
Gary was the second born of 13 children. The family shared lots of Christmas parties, summer park parties and camp outs.
Gary was an amazing upholsterer for the largest portion of his life. While working at Pioneer Furniture he met the love of his life, Jan. Gary loved to work on Volkswagen’s and had a small business in his garage rebuilding their motors. Gary also had a side business with a dump truck and Bobcat which he stated he enjoyed the most out of all his professional endeavors.
Jan’s dream was to have property with horses and that was when Gary and Jan moved to Riverton, Utah. They took 2 acres and built a home, barn and pasture. Their patio on the back side of their house has a breath-taking view of the Wasatch Mountains. Gary assisted in the delivery of several colts and loved to bond with the bulls they raised for beef. He even called one of them Rump Roast.
Gary had a passion for being outdoors and taking his RV out for adventures. He had several dune buggies what started with a body buggy, transitioned to sand rails, where the family and several of their friends took trips to Moab, Little Sahara sand dunes and traveled the Pony Express trail to name a few. Gary helped both of his boys build their own sand rails. Other trips included fishing, hunting and long motorcycle rides with his friends.
Gary and Jan transitioned from buggies, motorcycles and 4 wheelers to horses, where they took several horseback riding trips into Joe’s Valley and San Rafael with their friends.
Gary also loved to go boating. Lake Powell was a favorite destination where he would swim, water ski, tour the canyons and just hang out on one of the many beaches of the lake. Gary purchased a ski boat that is still in use by the family today. This year the boat celebrated 40 years with grandchildren and great grandchildren following in the traditions set by Gary.
Gary is survived by wife Jan, sons Rick and Ron with his wife Tammy. Three grandchildren: Russell and wife Gloria with daughter Oakley, Daniel and wife Katy with two children, Stella and Ozzy, Lizzy “Colbert” Howard with husband Dominic Howard and daughter Amelia.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 3, 2024, 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Larkin Mortuary 3688 West 12600 South Riverton, Utah. An open microphone will be available at 3:00 pm for you to share your fond memories about Gary.
Guestbook/Condolences
Dear friends forever. You have been special people in my life I will Miss Gary. I will keep you in my prayers as always . Sending much love and condolences, I Love you both deeply in my heart.
Through the over sixty-five years of frienship, we have always been in touch. We've known this day would come but it is still a shock. One is never prepared. To you Jan and family we send our love, support and prayers.
No one could ever have a greater friendship than the four of us have had. Thank you for the memories.
Gary and Jan have been dear friends for sometime now , I enjoyed my visits with them and our hearts go out to Jan , they were a joy to be around , a nice dinner on the patio , and taking in the Beautiful View of the Wasatch Mountains . An ATV ride with Gary out West in search of the wild mustangs , a wonderful day , time spent with Gary was definitely not time waisted , he was and is a Giant of a man and I will deeply miss him , all our Love to Jan and the family in this dificult time
With our deepest Love and Sympathy , Kim and Rhonda Rindlisbach
Our prayers and thoughts go out to you Jan, Ron and Rick. We have many fond memories of spending time on the lake with Gary and the family. It was very evident Gary loved his family and wanted fun to be experienced by all.
We are sending our love to you all!
Sending our love to you and your family Jan. What a great man and friend. We will miss him ❤️
Love, Leah Church and family.
I was searching for my sisters inlaws brother his name was Gary, and I came across an old freind that I apologize I never new his last name, and I instantly viewed his beautiful smile I new this was the Gary that I used to by hay from, I thoroughly enjoyed his wisdom and love for his wife he inspired me many to tears, totally the most genuine person all ever meet, sorry for you're family's loss.