Obituary of Gary Boyd Benham

Gary Boyd Benham was born in Sioux City, Iowa to Archibald and Virtue Benham in 1933 during the "great depression." In Gary's younger years he played with his brother Daryl and great friends Bob and Charles Shipman. The four boys would often jump on freight trains taking rides to other towns and cities! (Poor grandma!)Gary was active in the YMCA as a young boy where he learned about a personal relationship with Jesus and the importance of health and discipline in sports and exercise. Gary won State Ping Pong Champion and held many places in free style swimming and back stroke with the YMCA! Gary attended both public and Catholic schools. (I remember him sharing how the nuns would slap their hands with rulers!! Ouch!) While in public schools Gary and Daryl sang in the theater together and Gary also played the trumpet.When Gary was older he joined the Army where he learned and was recognized for his sharp shooting skills. Gary was also a cook in the army, which opened doors for him, after completing his service, to work at an upscale bakery and catering company in Minnesota.Gary then moved to California to attend Fullerton College. While going to school he was blessed with one of the most enjoyable jobs he ever landed. He was the train engineer of the infamous Disney Land Rail Road. (He was often mistaken to be Paul Newman.) Then in 1968 Gary met his best friend and companion for life Judy Sibrel at a Republican Party event. Gary and Judy married and in 1970 had Kilyn Michelle Benham.After Gary completed his real state license the couple decided it was time to move to a more conservative environment, with a brief stay in Nebraska, they ultimately ended up in beautiful Colorado. Gary was a realtor until the "the great inflation of the mid 70's" then went to work for the airline industry in sales where he stayed until he retired.In 1978 Gary and Judy built their dream home in Golden, Colorado where they made a house a home. They raised their daughter, Kilyn, for 25 years in this home and taught her about the Lord and gave her a wonderful, secure place and family. Gary and Judy both remained at this home until December 2011.During retirement Gary and Judy traveled to Europe, New England, Florida, Napa Valley and Canada. Gary loved his family; he loved life, working out, and good food! He needed and adored his wife Judy for her walk with the Lord and her gifts of unconditional love. Gary is now with his Judy in heaven rejoicing he made it there with her! Gary was Kilyn's biggest fan in life! This was passed down to his granddaughter, Faith, as her biggest fan! He loved Kali and Ryan and listening to the plans for their family! He loved to tell people how beautiful his granddaughters and great granddaughter are! And he loved to be the first one out of church with his grandson Mitchell to get to the buffet!!! And he adored and trusted his son in law, JW, whom was one of his best friends!Gary leaves behind his daughter; Kilyn, son in lawJW and grandchildren; Faith, Kali and Mitchell and great granddaughter; Sklyer, as well as siblings; Danny, Paul, Marty, Teddy, Tody, Kelly, Dorothy Kathleen, Sean, Penny and Stephen.Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Service Friday, September 28, 2012 11:00AM Liberty Heights Assisted Living 12205 Gunstock Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80921 Phone: 719-328-1793