Gary Lee Nelson

Gary Lee Nelson, age 69, passed away on December 12, 2023, in Englewood, Colorado. Gary was born in 1954 to Richard and Esther Nelson. He was raised in their family-built home in Commerce City, Colorado, with his older brother Dennis and younger sister Charlotte. A few of the activities he grew up enjoying included fishing, traveling to Minnesota, taking care of family pets, gardening, cooking, and camping — activities he would continue to delight in and share in as he raised a family of his own. His children, Andrea and Jaxon, have fond memories of these same activities growing up in their home in Edgewater, CO.

While he worked as an accountant for the transportation industry over two decades, (starting in 1993 and retiring in 2016) Gary also started his own catering and floral business and was best known as a larger-than-life host, amazing cook, decorator, and all-around entertainer who loved serving up lavish meals, and gracing spaces with elegant décor, and putting on gorgeous spreads for parties, events, dinners, and weddings (including his daughter’s). No venue was beneath his talents: even during camping trips, when a simple sandwich plate would do, he would attract the local bears with savory, slow-cooked corned beef and cabbage. Amidst the hubbub of festivities, Gary relished partaking in long conversations and soaking in the activity around him. In his later years, he loved hosting his three granddaughters at his home in Westminster for chocolate milk and cookies after school, movie watching parties, trips to the zoo, or summertime lunch dates and gardening days. He gave the best hugs, played fun games, told stories, and was a proud Grandpa.

A proud Colorado native, Gary passionately rooted for Denver’s professional sports teams, enjoying every moment of the Super Bowls, Stanley Cups, and most recently, the Denver Nuggets bringing home a long-awaited NBA Championship just months before his passing. Bellowing with every FIRST DOWN and howling at every bad pass or blown call, Gary was a passionate fan who brought the home crowd energy all by himself. He proudly passed the love of these teams down to his children and grandchildren and shared in watching games with his family, especially during the holidays.

Gary is survived by his children, Andrea and Jaxon, his brother Dennis, and his sister Charlotte. He was hard-working, creative, fun to be around, proud, stubborn, sensitive, kind, generous, and very loving. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A private reflection upon his life will be observed by his family in the coming months. Please share memories and condolences with Gary’s family by signing the Tribute wall.