Rocky Bruce Garbett

Strasburg, Colorado

Rocky passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside on Friday July, 19th 2024. He had been hospitalized at both Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center and UCHealth Anschutz over the past few weeks and after a recent surgical procedure to relieve pressure from around his heart, and as much as he wanted to stay, he was just too tired to recover. 

Rocky was born to Ben and Mary Garbett in Salt Lake City, UT and traveled all over the world as an Air Force Brat. His favorite place of all time was Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan. The fondest memories he shared were of growing up running around the island, the sugar cane fields, junior and senior high school and the friends he made there. Here, he also became accomplished in Judo. He always wanted to return but never got the chance. 

Rocky’s dad got transferred to Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, CO and this is where he would eventually put his roots down. He graduated from George Washington High School and this is also where he met the love of his life, Paula.

At age 19, Rocky joined the U.S. Army. He was an Air Borne Ranger 173rd Division, Special Forces and served in Vietnam as a Combat Engineer. He was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces.

Upon Honorable discharge from the Army, Rocky returned to Colorado and married Paula on February 23rd 1971. They started with humble beginnings and grew a beautiful home, yard and family in Aurora, CO. Rocky always said that Paula was his soulmate, his core and he needed her. They were married 53 years. She was his “Pooh.”

In July of 1971, Rocky completed Police Academy Training and started his career with Aurora Police Department. He worked in several areas, most notably in the Detective Bureau, LSU, narcotics and Gang Unit. Rocky loved his career and his police brothers. The friendships, camaraderie and shenanigans meant the world to him. He retired as an Agent after 29 years of service.

After retiring, Rocky and Paula moved to Strasburg, Colorado where they lived for the last 24 years. Rocky loved landscaping and this gave him plenty of space to practice his creative gift. He was so proud of his beautiful home on the high plains and the work he had done on their 2 ½ acres.

Rocky was a gifted creative writer, well read and a talented landscaper and gardener. He was a joker, rubber band warrior and prankster. He loved traveling and weekend getaways to play the slot machines and meet up with friends and family. He loved his dogs. He loved sweets. He loved music. Rocky somehow knew how to fix and build everything. He was the best mentor and advice giver. Above all he loved his family. He was one of a kind and he will be missed.

Rocky is survived by his wife, Paula, and their daughter Shiloh Narro (Ivan Narro) and son Ben Garbett (Stephany Garbett); sisters Vicki Blesch (Carl Blesch) Jan Albrandt (Don Albrandt) and grandchildren Chloe Narro and Gabe Narro. Rocky is also survived by his nieces and nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. He was preceded in death by his Father Benjamin Garbett and by his mother Mary Garbett. 

Memorial Services will take place at Horan and McConaty 11150 E. Dartmouth Ave. Aurora, CO 80014 on Thursday August 1st at 10:30 a.m.. Reception to follow until 1:00 p.m. Burial Services will be private for immediate Family at Ft. Logan National Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to the Denver Dumb Friends League.