Obituary of Gary Himes

Gary Himes, age 75 of Arvada, Colorado, died October 31st, 2023 after decades of fighting multiple ailments. He was by all definitions the epitome of a fierce fighter and lived beyond all medical expectations motivated by his love for his family. He was shrouded in love from his family at the time of his passing.

Gary was born on May 11, 1948 in Oakland, CA. Throughout his childhood, he and his sisters Gayle and Susan were moved to different states but they settled in the Parker/Castle Rock area in Colorado. Gary graduated from Castle Rock High School in 1966 where he was a standout athlete. He was involved in basketball and track and was even homecoming king! After high school, Gary attended and graduated from the University at Northern Colorado, majoring in education.

Gary joined the United States Air Force during Vietnam. Because of his college degree, he was recruited to be a counselor for Veterans coming back from the front lines. He truly enjoyed this work and took his love for helping people and parlayed it into a long career as a well-respected, well liked and extremely fun teacher. For the majority of his career he taught 6th and 7th grade social studies at Bluffs Middle School in Scottsbluff, NE. Many of his students have expressed just how impactful he was to their lives.

In addition to his passion for teaching, Gary was also active in the community through refereeing various youth sporting events and volunteering for both CASA and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. During his summers, Gary worked for both the Scottsbluff and Gering visitor centers welcoming travelers to the area and directing them to the wonderful attractions the area had to offer. Gary was a history buff and a ferocious reader. He devoured history books and was quick to rattle off facts and significant events in great detail. Gary’s love of education, supporting the youth community and history gelled as one making him an incredible teacher and mentor to middle school students.

Gary was married in 1981 to Susan Hafer. During their marriage they had two children, Larissa and Chris. Gary devoted his life to Larissa and Chris and subsequently his grandchildren Gabe, Alex, William, Grace and Nora. His dedication to Larissa and Chris’ activities during their school years was beyond compare. Some of his proudest moments were watching Larissa on the softball field and volleyball court and watching Chris on the basketball court and football field. He made it a point to attend any and all events and supported his kids activities to the fullest. He loved putting together Legos with Gabe and Alex and reading and playing with Will, Grace, and Nora. He did everything in his power to ensure his kids and grandkids felt loved. Gary’s impact on his children, his family and the students he taught will forever be felt and won’t be forgotten. His legacy will live on.

“Don’t be afraid to find laughter, love and joy in all you do. Always treat yourselves and others with respect and kindness. All My Love, Dad.”

Gary is survived by his Daughter, Larissa Ramos(Felix), Son, Chris Himes(Kelly), Sister, Gayle Schoeman(Keith), Nephews Michael Gadlin, and Stephen Ray(Beverly), Grandchildren Gabriel and Alex Ramos, and William, Grace and Nora Himes.

He was preceded in death by his Father Warren E. Himes, Mother Shirley Evans, Sister Susan Himes, and Grandson Jackson Himes.

Gary has been laid to rest at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Littleton, Colorado. In lieu of flowers or cards, please do something nice for yourself today