Gary Nadel

Gary Wynne Nadel passed away on April 13, 2022, at the age of 70, in Grand Junction, Colorado. Gary was born October 26, 1951 in Paola, KS and graduated from West Covina High School in California in 1969. Gary married Linda Ashley in 1973, they had 3 kids and were married 27 years. After graduating from Beloit College in Wisconsin, he moved his family to Colorado, settling in Ouray and then moving to Ridgway in the early 80’s.

He worked a wide variety of jobs, from teaching high school in Ouray to construction (including the building of the dam for the Ridgway Reservoir) to counting fish with the Colorado Division of Wildlife. He was always happiest when he was spending time out of doors, whether he was jeeping, fly fishing, golfing or floating the river. When he wasn’t playing hard outdoors, he worked hard to provide for his family, passing along a strong work ethic to his children and grandchildren. We will remember fondly his ability to clean a peanut butter jar spotless with a stalk of celery, his affinity for not-so-short short-cuts, his boxes of rocks from his geology days, his skill at turning any surface into a drum set, and how he passed on his love of a good laugh by weekly bringing a favorite comedy home from the video store, introducing his kids to “The Blues Brothers”, “Quick Change” and anything starring Steve Martin. He loved and was loved by his family and will be greatly missed.

Gary is survived by his three children, Joshua (Jill) Nadel, Morgan (Brett) Kellum, and Allison Nadel; eight grandchildren; and his siblings, Michael Nadel, Rachel (Tres) Black and David (Shelley) Nadel.

His family will hold a private celebration of his life this summer, revisiting some of his favorite places: Red Mountain Pass, the Uncompahgre River, and the Ridgway Reservoir. In lieu of gifts, please consider donating to Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership (https://www.uncompahgrewatershed.org).