Gary Alkire, 87

God, in his infinite wisdom, decides when it is time for change. He has done that by calling his son and servant, Gary, to his heavenly home. Gary was born in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Nov. 21, 1936, and left us in Denver, Colo., on Oct. 6, 2024.

Gary graduated from Santa Rosa High School and Santa Rosa Junior College. He served in the Naval Reserves. He moved to Eureka, Calif., to take a job with the Division of Highways, later known as Cal-Trans. He worked hard, and after many years of field surveying, he passed the exam to become a senior land surveyor and head of the survey department. He retired after 42 years and we moved to North Idaho for almost 20 years of retirement on 10 acres of pine trees, moose, turkeys, snow plowing and a bit of logging! Made the move to Denver in 2023 to be closer to family.

Gary is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth; son Paul (Andie), Alaska; son Jim (Carrie), daughter Kathryn (Jason) Oliver, Denver; grandsons Zachary (Samantha), Alaska; Caleb (Izzy), Texas; granddaughters Celesta and Aurelia Oliver and Devon and Whitney Alkire, Denver; great-grandsons Luca and Aidan, Alaska; and brother Bill (Arlene), California. He also leaves behind the Wiese and Guadagnini families, who became our Idaho family.

He was preceded by parents Francis and Edna Alkire and brother Andy.

Gary was a quiet, humble man frequently somewhat lost in thought, but with a deep faith in God and the words of Jesus, He also had a sense of humor that took people by surprise. He could make a pun out of almost anything! In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you remember him by doing something to help others, by prayers or deed. If so inclined, a gift to a charity of your choice, possibly helping children, would be appreciated.