Gary Michael Hise

Gary Michael Hise, Badge # 67-52 Gary passed away swiftly, after diagnosis, from complications brought on from Stage four lung cancer, on May 10,, 2012, in Coolidge, Arizona, with his family by his side. Burial services with Military Honors, were held in Chandler, AZ, with internment at Valley of the Sun Cemetery. Gary was born December 6, 1944, at St.Joseph Hospital, Denver, Colorado, the first child, to parents Luise Elizabeth Hise, and Louis Huge Hise, who was serving in the U.S. Navy at the time. Eventually, four more siblings would join the family. Gary knew from about age five, following a Cub Scout outing to a local Police Station, that he was going to be a Police Officer when he grew up. Upon completing High School, Gary enlisted in the U.S. Navy on February 3rd, 1964, following in his Father's footsteps. After boot camp, Gary completed Radioman's School, and was subsequently assigned to the U.S.S. Belknap. After completing his Navy service on February 2, 1967, at the rank of Radioman-3, E-4, Gary applied for the Denver Police Department, and was accepted for attendance in the Denver Police Academy. This again was following in his Father's footsteps, as Louis had served on the Denver Police Department from May 1st, 1947 until his death from a brain tumor on September 5th, 1963. Gary graduated number one, top of his class, December 1st, 1967, and was appointed Probationary Patrolman, at the grand salary of $500 a month. After a short training period for Detective, Gary decided it was ‘too much paperwork" and returned to his true career choice of Patrolman. With the exception of a brief transfer to another District, Gary spent his entire 41-plus year career in that rank, in District Four, Detail Three, Precinct 413. Gary was always ready to answer any call, anywhere in the District, and usually a leader on self initiated actions of all types. Gary would back up, or cover any Officer that needed it, regardless of location, with nearly a paternal interest in seeing his brother and sister officers go home safely. Tradition in the Denver Police Department is that the most senior Patrolman on the Department is granted the Honorary Badge number #1, and it was fitting that on March 31st, 2008, Gary retired having held that title for considerable time. After all, he entered the DPD number one in his class, and left number one in Patrol Division. Over the course of his career, Gary accumulated nearly a half-inch high, stack of Official Commendations, Commendatory Letters, and Citizen Letters of praise, some beginning in his first weeks out of the Academy. On his last day of work he was still answering Radio Calls, and returned at the end of his shift, as always, with a fist full of reports and a full logsheet. Gary was "old school" and seldom complained, often simply shrugging his shoulders and saying, "oh well, that's what they pay us to do, and that's what I signed on for". Gary married his wife Jan in 1969, and in 1979, had a daughter, Melissa. Over the years, after Jan and Melissa moved to Arizona, Melissa would spend the summers in Denver with Gary. Melissa recalls the times spent going to Elitch's, Waterworld, Bowling, and the occasional Dog Track trips, during which bets placed on her picks generally returned more winnings than her Dad's. She recalls it being "an adventure every summer" and being able to do so many fun things with her Dad on those visits. Gary was not known as a big computer, or cell phone guy, and frequently commented that the only reason he used email was to keep in touch with his daughter. He could often be seen well after his shift, composing emails to her in the Roll Call room. Melissa fondly recalls the "most important day of her life", in 2006, when her Father walked her down the aisle on her wedding day. It was clear that she was the most important person in his life. Gary took care of his mother over the years until her death in 2009, after which, he moved to Arizona to be near Melissa and other family. Gary was able to spend time with his family, traveling, and a take a very special vacation to Mount Rushmore, and Yellowstone National Park. Melissa is grateful for the times they had to spend together, and will always treasure those memories. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Louise, and is survived by his daughter Melissa and her husband, his brothers James and Steven, and his sisters, Linda and Virginia. Gary will be missed by not only his family, but also his Brothers and Sisters on the Denver Police Department.

Service:
Funeral Services were held at Valley of the Sun Cemetery Chandler, Arizona With Military Honors