Gary Lucas was born in Garden City, Kan., on March 2, 1937, and died peacefully at home in Pagosa Springs on March 12, 2015.
He met Firma Boxler and they married on April 2, 1956. Together, they raised their four children: Allen, Elizabeth Ann, Lance and Bonnie Lynn.
Gary, along with a partner, owned the Garden City Ice Company and distributed ice throughout western Kansas. He was also a Boy Scout leader. Along with Neil Austin, he led Troop 61 for several years, taking them on many camping trips and teaching many knots.
In 1972, Gary picked up his family and moved to Pagosa Springs, where he served his community on various boards, the most recent being the Archuleta Housing Corporation since 1976.
Gary and family operated the Wayside Grocery Store and Texaco Station that was halfway up Put Hill. Gary also worked for Citizens Bank and, more recently, for 17 years as manager and assistant vice president of Rio Grande Savings and Loan, before he retired in 2002.
He was also a charter member of the local Knights of Columbus, where he was a member of the Fourth Degree Knights.
His favorite pastimes included camping with their fifth-wheel trailer, fishing and enthusiastically checking out the yard and garage sales in the area.
Gary is survived by his wife, Firma, and his four children: Allen (Diane), of Redwood City, Calif.; Elizabeth Ann (Eric) Familo, of Brighton, Colo.; Lance (Elisha) Lucas, of Pagosa Springs; and Bonnie Milburn, of Pagosa Springs. There are also eight grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
The family wishes to thank the caregivers, hospice workers and others who tended to Gary’s needs during the last several months of his life.
A memorial service was held on Tuesday, March 17, at the John Paul II Catholic Church.
