Gary Michael Garfield

Gary Michael Garfield, 63, of Fort Collins, Colorado was born in Dayton, Ohio to Marvin and Helen Garfield on July 3, 1953. The family returned to Fort Collins, CO where he attended Moore Elementary, Lincoln Junior High and Poudre High Schools (class of 1971). He first attended McPherson College and then the University of California at Santa Cruz where he graduated in 1976 with honors with a degree in history.

After spending time in Europe, Gary returned to Fort Collins, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a fifth-generation resident of Fort Collins.

Gary was a true Renaissance man: scholar, traveler, creative artist, free-lance philosopher and athlete. He appreciated exotic cars.

From Tiffany style lamps, a drivable lobster car and bridges over the Poudre River, Gary could envision and create anything. He was an excellent cook, famous for his chili stuffing and amazing mojitos.

Gary traveled extensively throughout Mexico, enjoyed his time in California and Barbados and never passed up a road trip with friends. '

Gary enjoyed life's experiences, including Burning Man, before it became trendy. In 2000 he was inspired to design and build a "lobster mobile" to display at Burning Man, which was also driven in a local parade.

He was a cofounder of "Dogs from Hell", an organization that promoted sports and raised money for charity.

Gary is survived by mother and stepfather, Helen and Don Williams; siblings, Steve Garfield (Deb), LeAnn Massey (David), Greg Garfield (Colleen) all of Fort Collins. He is also survived by nieces, Ryann Hodge (Josh) and Jenny Garfield (special friend, Nathan Morimitsu), and nephew, Derek Garfield (fiancée, Renee Jensen); a great niece, Danae Hodge and great nephew, Kace Hodge. Survivors also include Vic the Amazon and Sabu the African Gray, whom he loved, most of the time.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Marv Garfield.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, February 25 at 1:00 p.m. at Collindale Golf Course, 1441 E. Horsetooth Road. Hawaiian attire is appreciated.

Donations can be made to the Gary Garfield Memorial Fund in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Ft. Collins, CO 80524. The funds will be used to purchase a memorial bench to be placed at Southridge Golf Course, Gary's home away from home.