Gary D. Mead

gary mead

August 15, 1935 ~ June 16, 2022

Born in: Winterset, Iowa
Resided in: Pueblo, Colorado

Gary D. Mead, 86, passed away on June 16, 2022. Survived by his wife Betty of 57 years; son, Jay (Lyn) Mead; daughter, Jan (Michael Arrowood) Mead; son, Brook (Ann); sister, Jeannie (Don) Oakley; grandchildren, Chelsey (Chris) Thompson, Audrey Mead, Colin Arrowood, Aidan Arrowood, Adele Mead-Pineda (Andrew Pineda), Hayley Arrowood, Zachary Mead and Avery Mead; 4 great grandchildren, as well as nieces Kerry Oedel and Kristi St. Clair and other extended family in Georgia. Gary was born August 15, 1935, in Winterset, Iowa to Earl and Velma Mead. He was a graduate of Western State University (1957) and Adams State College (1974) and started working as a Teacher for District 60 schools in Pueblo. For many years he taught Physical Education at Belmont Elementary, at the time a new school in the Belmont neighborhood. He was known for his patience and kindness and for teaching respect and acceptance of others. He emphasized participation, sportsmanship and “doing your best” over natural athleticism. Later he worked at Centennial High School, teaching Physical Education and coaching Girls’ Softball and Track. He refereed numerous High School football games. He was an avid golfer and over the course of his lifetime made 6 holes-in-one, a double eagle and shot his age. He loved the outdoors, the Colorado mountains and vacationing with friends and family. Some of his favorite places were annual trips to Las Vegas, cruises around the Caribbean, Hawaii and in particular a trip to the Mediterranean. He loved music, listened daily, had access to it in every room of the house, including the patio. He liked watching classic movies and sports, especially golf and baseball. He was an entertaining and enthusiastic storyteller who recalled many life experiences with humor and joy. He was particularly proud of his family and was supportive of his children’s and grandchildren’s educational pursuits and goals. For on-line condolences and information concerning future memorial services please see the Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors site (www.montgomerysteward.com).

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  1. Mr. Mead was my physical education teacher at Belmont during the mid to late 70’s. I was a “tomboy” and he supported me even way back then. He made the classes so fun and that included all of the children no matter their athletic ability. All felt welcome and the activities were such that all could achieve. Oh how I dreaded the days we had to climb the ropes to the ceiling, well I never got more than half way, but others shimmied up them like nothing. He supported us all and encouraged us to do our best. His voice was warm and caring and just made you feel happy. With his teachings beginning at a young age, I was able to play 4 sports during my high school years, and I give so much credit to Mr. Mead. My sincere sympathy goes out to Mrs. Betty, who I believe worked in the library at Heaton, and was so kind and helpful to me since I wasn’t an avid reader, and to the whole Mead family. He was a wonderful individual and he will be missed dearly.

  2. I was so sorry to read about Mr Mead’s passing. He was always so kind to me growing up. A good neighbor and friend to my whole family. My prayers are with you at this time. Sincerely Julie
    Chambers

  3. Rest In Peace Gary. You was so good with your students. You had patience and a love working with your students.
    Thank You for being my Teacher when I was a student teacher with you. I am sure your family will deeply miss you.
    God Bless You.

  4. Betty, Brook and the Mead Family,
    We are sorry for your loss.
    Gary was always interesting to visit with at extended family birthdays and gatherings.
    He had a great senses of humor and always had a story to share.
    We will all miss him.
    Delbert and Jean Lorenz

  5. Gary was apart of an amazing D60 physical education program that was known through out the country. All us newbies looked up to teachers like Gary and marveled at their success and love of the craft.

  6. Condolences to Gary’s family. Enjoyed playing golf and golf trips with Gary for many years. I will miss his friendship and his many stories. He had a great sense of humor. Gary Salimeno

    My condolences to Betty and all the family. Gary was such a kind, caring person and our lives have been intertwined in many ways over the years. I was privileged to work with Gary, Betty, and Jay at Centennial and I grew to love and respect them all for their dedication and commitment to excellence.
    Gary’s legacy will be carried on by the family and they were so fortunate to have such a positive role model in their lives.
    Kathy Salimeno

  7. Really sorry to hear about this. I can’t help but remember Gary as my colleague at Centennial or my teammate on the slow pitch diamond or referring high school football games. He wore many hats & did well in all of them.
    To Betty, Jay & the rest of the Mead clan I extend my deepest condolences..
    RIP, my friend.

  8. I vaguely remember Gary Mead from my couple years attending Belmont Elementary. A very short man with a very trusting, honest, demeanor about him. (Young children and dogs can sense kindness) . Square dancing comes to mind as an activity we frequently indulged in. Summer recreation activities program was headed up by Mr. Mead also, if memory serves me correctly.
    He, Ms.Butler, Ms. Wilks, and my favorite, Ms.Penn, were outstanding educators I was fortunate enough to learn from have in my life.
    You add to the peacefulness and serenity of the Wheat Fields that you now walk through.
    Thank you for your tutelage and your caring manner.
    My condolences to the family…

  9. John & Karla Gordon send our most heartfelt condolences to the Mead family. Jay & Brook, I’m sorry to hear about your pops. May God rest his soul.
    🙏🏻❤️💔

  10. A truly wonderful man who has a beautiful family. He will be missed by many. May he RIP

  11. I met Gary when I started teaching physical education at Keating. We all attended department meetings together. He was very nice and kind and offered suggestions, ideas, and advice to a young teacher. Deepest sympathy to Betty and his family.


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