Gary Powell

Gary William Powell passed away peacefully at home on April 17, 2024. Gary was born in Denver on December 9, 1940 to William and Helen (Phillips) Powell. He attended St. Louis Catholic School in Englewood, Regis Jesuit High School (class of 1958) and Colorado State University on a basketball scholarship (class of 1962). Gary met the love of his life, Judy Snow, also from Englewood, on the day he graduated from high school; they married on December 1, 1962. His extraordinary love for– and devotion to– Judy was an inspiration to all who knew them.

The couple settled in Colorado Springs where Gary began his career as an accountant for RH Lester and Company. Opportunities brought them back to the Denver area where he spent the rest of his career, becoming nationally-recognized as a leader in the manufactured home industry. He retired as President of Equity Lifestyle Properties (“ELS”) at the age of 60 after 28 years of service.

While he had many pursuits, Gary’s true passions were fly-fishing and golf. He grew up fishing the Gunnison River and golfed into his seventies until bad knees made both activities impossible. He and Judy had an extraordinary life together; they were fortunate enough to travel the world on several occasions. He was an avid gardener, a loyal fan and season ticket holder of the Broncos, Nuggets, Avalanche and Rockies. He was a beloved youth baseball and soccer coach for many years. He loved to cook, spend time at his mountain house or on his deck in Centennial, and shared his time, talent and treasure with countless charities that were near his heart. His quiet generosity knew no bounds; there was no one he wouldn’t help in any way that he could. He was a cherished friend, a valued confidant and a respected leader.

He was an active member of Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church, having served as a Eucharistic Minister and member of the Knights of Columbus until mobility issues made attending services difficult. He was a lifelong supporter of his alma mater Regis Jesuit High School.

Gary will be most remembered for his unending love and devotion especially to his wife Judy, but also their children Stephanie and Drake. He was always their loudest cheerleader and biggest champion. He was an amazing role model for being a spouse and father. One of his proudest moments was serving as Drake’s Best Man in 1994. His family was the center of his universe— made complete by the birth of his grandsons Davis and Chalmers in 1999 and 2003. From coloring Easter eggs, to carving pumpkins to hanging hundreds of Christmas lights, he loved every sentimental tradition. He cried every time he heard the National anthem. He moved mountains to never miss a game, a performance, a birthday or an event. His grandsons Davis and Chalmers were his greatest joy and “Bapa” was his favorite title.

He had a sharp wit, even sharper mind and a beautiful zest for life until the very end– defying the odds many times. His resilience was his hallmark. He was larger than life to those who knew him and the hole he leaves behind will never be filled.

He is survived by Judy, his wife of 61 years, daughter Stephanie Lescarbeau and her husband Tom, Tom’s children Heidi (Travis), Brodie and Jaelyn; son Drake and his wife Caren and grandsons Davis and Chalmers.

Gary hated funerals. To honor him, the family will celebrate his life in July, surrounded by the things he loved; his home, his gardens, his friends and his family. Details will be provided at a later date.

The family wishes to thank both DignityFirst Health at Home (dignityfirsthealthathome.com) and Elevation Hospice (sagefoc.com) for the phenomenal care and kindness they showed the family during Gary’s final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary’s name to either organization.