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Gary Wayne McVean of Durango, Colorado passed away on June 27, 2020 surrounded by family. He was 78 years old.
Gary was born on June 24, 1942 to Norman and Laura McVean in Fort Worth, Texas.
Gary graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington and received a Master's of Fine Arts from the University of Oklahoma.
Gary was a master jeweler and, for the past 31 years, co-owner (with wife) of Lanka Blue Jewelry in downtown Durango. Gary was also an accomplished painter, creating unique pieces using innovative techniques. Gary's work can be viewed in many of Durango's local businesses and has been shown in galleries across the nation. Gary will be remembered for his remarkable talent and intelligence and his extraordinary ability to think outside of the box.
Gary is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betsy McVean, brother Jim McVean and wife Debbie Kay, son Jullien McVean and wife Courtney, daughter Dovie McVean, daughter Laura Matchette and husband Michael, grandchildren Duncan and Shelby Matchette, and many others who loved him.
A graveside celebration of life service will be held at Greenmount Cemetery on Friday, July 3, 2020 at 1:00 pm. Gary's family requests all attendees to wear colors that reflect their memories of Gary (i.e. as little black as possible) and invites all who attend to share any and all memories of Gary to celebrate his life the way he lived it - honestly and courageously. Family also respectfully requests that all attendees wear face covering.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
So sad to hear. My heart goes out to his family. What a great guy. Loved his smile and when he laughed oh my.
carla weatherly
Friend
August 11, 2020
We were so sorry to hear that Gary has left us. He was one in a million and we always enjoyed our time with him and Betsy. Love and healing to all yall
Mack and Carolyn
Friend
July 11, 2020
I have a piece of Gary's jewelry that I love and though I didn't know him personally, I know many who did and he made a difference.
Laura Lewis Marchino
July 4, 2020
I spent a number of years visiting Gary at his shop in awe of the incredible creations that surrounded me. This guy never stopped! Always pushing to the next level, what a gift he was and is to the ART community. Was always a treat and honor to be graced with his presence...Thank you my friend for your contribution to this planet.
Peace be still to you and your family....
Donna Nazario
July 4, 2020
Gary never did custom work for anybody but when I asked him to make an engagement ring for Jaime in December of 2002 his face just lit up. Jaime spent a summer working at Lanka Blue and he was willing. Ill never forget him as he consulted me on stones and design at his shop in the alley behind his house.
Hes out swirling in the universe now and wish his family well. As well all of you that knew him as as a friend.
Loopis
Friend
July 3, 2020
Your memory will never be enough to replace you. Love you old friend.
Freddie Karcher
Friend
July 3, 2020
He was an amazing human being and will be missed very much.
Marcy Branham
Friend
July 3, 2020
I miss you, Gary, so very much. Just a few days ago Gary texted with me about reality and unreality, about literature and physics about existence. Gary had a curious and expanding mind and now he is traveling into those universes he was painting so prolifically, so brilliantly.
I am so sorry I can't be with you, Betsy and Julien and Dovie and Laura today to celebrate his life, but I will wear the brightest colors all day and think of you all sending all my love your way. I will see you Betsy, soon for a long walk and good talk.
Love, and more love,
Shelley
Shelley Horton-Trippe
Friend
July 3, 2020
I'm so sad to hear of Gary's passing! I will definitely miss seeing him around. I worked at north City Market where Gary was a long time customer. He could always make me laugh! My condolences to his Wife, and family. RIP Gary
Annette Somsen
Annette Somsen
Friend
July 2, 2020
We have so many fond memories of Gary. From Texas to Oklahoma to Colorado. He was our lifelong friend and he will be missed, especially his laugh. RIP Gary!!
Leland and Glenda Griner
Friend
July 2, 2020
We were sorry to hear of Gary's passing and praying for comfort to the family in remembering the good times and adventures. Sincerely, Heather White and sons, Telluride, Colorado.
Heather White
Acquaintance
July 2, 2020
Betsy and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Losing your rock is the hardest thing ever. He was a funny and kind neighbor. Hearing his laugh was always a bright spot in my day. I will miss him, but never forget him. Let me know if I can ever help in any way.
Jeanne Porter
Neighbor
July 2, 2020
His love of travel and OU football were 2 things that we talked many hours about. Ill miss you daddy
Dovie McVean
Family
July 1, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Chris Whatley Abbott
July 1, 2020
His laugh...wit and amazing talent! One of a kind gift. He will be missed. Love to the McVean/Matchette family.
Judy Willis
Friend
July 1, 2020
Patricia Gadaria
July 1, 2020
Patricia Gadaria
July 1, 2020
Im so very sorry for your loss. Gary was such a great person, amazing artist, and could make anyone laugh with his sense of humor -he was so freaking funny. I have so many memories of laughing on main street with him. His spirit will live on through his amazing art that he leaves behind
Kalisha Crossland
Friend
July 1, 2020
Ronda Irwin
June 30, 2020
He was my rock
With him I always felt that everything was going to be okay. We were partners in this dream.
Betsy mcvean
Family
June 30, 2020
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