Gage Boyd Behunin

Gage Boyd Behunin (75) of Arvada, CO was born on March 3, 1933, in Cedar City, Utah, and passed away on November 26th, 2008 of natural causes. Gage is survived by his wife, of 55 years, Barbara Jean Smoot, and their six children: Michelle McDonald, Donald Behunin, Lori Boyd, Robert Behunin and Mark Behunin of Arvada, CO, and Tanya Ball of West Hills, CA. Gage is also survived by his 22 grandchildren, three great grandchildren and two sisters, Ruthal and Enola. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Sheldon and Delon. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Gage resided within the Arvada 5th Ward of the Arvada, Colorado, Stake. After his first love of wife and family, Gage will be remembered as a builder, innovator and inspiration. He will always be considered a rock, a man whose ambition, charm and personal influence was a source of strength for all those fortunate enough to call him ""Chief."" Gage will be remembered as one of the pioneers who placed the cornerstone on the first LDS church building that stood between Cheyene, Wyoming and the New Mexico border 50 years ago—this year. It was the first of many wards and stake buildings that Gage felt was some of the most important work he did in his lifetime. In 1951, Gage was proud to be known as the youngest fledged bricklayer in Salt Lake City, and as a result, never wanted for work. His exceptional brick-laying skills created a singular situation where he was able to maintain full-time employment while he served in the military (Army 1953-55). His service included the infamous nuclear bomb training site in Desert Rock, NV. Gage was well known as one of the largest masonry contractors west of the Mississippi River during the 1960's and 70's. He built projects from Vacaville, CA to upstate New York, from elementary schools and hospitals to multi-story high rises. Locally, he was responsible for the brick and masonry work on such buildings as Denver's, Brook's Towers, Executive Towers and the western bore of the Eisenhower tunnel—which runs through the Continental Divide. Gage's construction company expanded into the development of multiple properties eventually including a partnership with his three sons and extended family members, always encouraging their involvement and participation in coordinating construction trades. Invention and efficiency defined Gage Behunin. Building a better mousetrap was ultimately a way to support and sustain his family, which was his number one priority. His Masonry systems laid as many brick in one hour as one mason could lay in a day. He invented a better and cheaper brick tumbler than existed previously. He experimented with plastics and was ahead of the creation of mock-marble sinks. He delved into asbestos abatement and created surface stripping technologies. His quick-drying mortar additives were revolutionary and his wall-building systems enabled common laborers to perform at the capacity of journeyman bricklayers. Gage's pre-building negotiations with large oil companies led to long-term apartment construction in the oil-rich boom towns across Wyoming, Utah and the Western Slope of Colorado. Eventual ownership and management of apartment communities across the US have become a staple of Gage's support system for his company and his family. He dreamed big and worked to make those dreams come true. Even in his last days, Gage was actively involved in developing his 281 acres in Wilmington, Ohio. Gage was a positive thinker and a definitive leader. He was man who worked hard and expected the same from those who worked around him. He laughed easily and forgave quickly. He commanded respect by always showing the same courtesy to people of every station. He considered himself lucky, but those who knew him knew it was they who were the most blessed by his association. Visitation will be Monday, December 1, 2008, from 6PM-8PM at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 9998 Grant Street, Thornton. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 1PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 7080 Independence Street, Arvada. Burial will follow at Arvada Cemetery. Please share your memories of Gage and/or condolences to his family by selecting the ""Sign Guestbook"" tab below: