Gerald Lowell Stephen

Gerald "Garry" L. Stephen was born December 31, 1938 in Evans, Colorado. After a courageous fight against brain cancer, Garry passed away peacefully at St. John's Hospice in Lakewood, CO.

Garry was born and raised in Evans, CO by his single mother Marie Jordan. Garry helped his mother in every way he could and had many friends growing up. He enjoyed being active with school activities, sports and participated in many school plays. He was no stranger to mischief but always played with a caring heart. After graduating high school at Evans High, he joined the Navy and became a Navy Coreman where he also learned to be an excellent chef. After an honorable discharge, Garry worked as a chef in a variety of restaurants while residing in New Orleans, LA. He then spent time in California, Florida and eventually came back to Colorado so he could be closed to his mother.

As a Coreman in the Navy he had an interest in medicine. He attended Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado Springs and obtained his nursing degree. He worked as an LPN in the ER at Penrose Hospital where he was set up on a blind date with another nurse and met the love of his life, Marilyn Linssen. They soon married on December 26, 1979 and moved to Grand Junction, CO. On May 16, 1980 Marilyn gave birth to their daughter, Jan Stephen who would become their pride and joy. Marilyn was diagnosed with brain cancer shortly after her birth, and Garry took a job as a coal miner to provide better financially for his family. After 8 years of helping his wife fight the fatal disease, Marilyn passed ways February 15, 1989.

Garry received a promotion making him a Federal Mine Inspector for MSHA. The job required him to make many transfers. He and Jan moved to Texas, Virginia, but Colorado was always home and they moved back in 1995 permanently. Garry loved his job, but retired from the government at age 64. He had a passion for law and worked part-time as a security officer for many years before he retired for good. Garry loved jazz music, ice cream, nature, watching Nuggets games, spoiling his pets, but most of all he loved spending time with his family. He was an honest man who gave priceless advice. He was always there for anyone, he never held a grudge, he listened with a kind heart, he spoke with his hugs and he taught others not by words but by example.

He was a friend of Bill W. for 37 years and counted himself grateful to the program and fellowship. Garry touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity and maintained his sense of humor all the way to the end.

He will be deeply missed by his surviving daughter Jan and all who got the chance to know him.

The family request donations be sent to the Day At A Time Club, 3355 S. Wadsworth Blvd. H-125, Lakewood CO 80227. Garry would like people to keep coming back, because it works if you work it.