Gar L. McInnis, age 85, long time resident of Colorado Springs, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2021. Gar was born April 20, 1935 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and was the son of Elton and Christena McInnis. The family moved from Brimley, Michigan, located in the Upper Peninsula, to Loveland, Colorado and later to Colorado Springs, Colorado where Gar attended Colorado Springs High School (Palmer High). He then attended Ottawa University, Kansas.
Gar entered the Army during the Korean War where he served in Sendai, Japan. He married his wife, Audrey during his service in the Army. They celebrated 65 years of marriage before her passing January 12, 2020. After moving back to Colorado Springs, Gar held a few jobs such as a self-employed electrician, an accountant, owner of a trailer park, all before finally becoming the Risk Manager for the City of Colorado Springs Utilities from 1968 through 1992.
Gar is survived by brother, Ron; sister, Ann; sons Steve (Julie), Bob; grandsons, Kyle (Camila), Kevin (Aleshia), Andrew, Benjamin; great grandson, Brantley; and brother-in-law, Don Schlarb (Linda).
Gar donated to local philanthropy, was active in various local services such as the Rocky Mountain SERATOMA Club (their motto is Service to Mankind), The Colorado Masonic Family, the 167th Scottish Rite from 1982, which is a way of life to include in part: kindness in the home, in business, courtesy toward others, dependability in work, support of Public Education, high morality, love for one another, and above all, a living practicing reverence and love for God.
Gar loved, family, traditions, golf, fishing, hunting (Rocky Mountain Rooster’s Club), jewelry making, and opera music.
He will be remembered for how he said hello with a genuine joy and appreciation, for his firm handshake, his big smile and laugh, his story telling, his ability to fix anything, his strength-based way of looking at things.
What is remembered, lives on. The family thanks everyone who knew Gar to allow him to live on through the many memories.
Gar was a very special, very rare human and will be dearly missed.
We will see you in Paradise our father, brother, grandpa, great grandpa, uncle, and friend.
Donations in Gar’s name are appreciated to the charity of choice, or the Local Chapter for the Disabled American Veterans where you reside, or the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF), to provide critically needed support to disabled and at-risk veterans.
Bless you all.
victor baginski
20 Mar 2021Thanks for sharing this wonderful memorial. I will always remember Gar for his sincere and joyful greeting, and how he always connected with me when we had a chance to visit. His love for you and the people in your world is a big part of why your friendships are so strong and lasting. I feel blessed for having the opportunity to have you both in my life. Love You Brother!
Randy and Tracy Hart
21 Mar 2021While we didn’t get the chance to know Gar, we know he must have been an excellent husband and Dad. We know this because we have the joy of being friends with his son Steve, whose smile has a glint of mischief, paired with a witty mind and the warmest of hearts. Our condolences to the family.
ANN BROWN
21 Mar 2021MY DEAR, SWEET, BROTHER GAR WAS THE BEST BROTHER A SISTER COULD EVER HAVE.
I WILL ALWAYS BE THANKFUL FOR YOU AND HOW BLESSED I WAS TO HAVE YOU IN MY
LIFE. TEARS FLOW, BUT, I KNOW I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN. I MISS YOU SO,I ILOVE YOU SO
LOVE YOU FOREVER AND A DAY. ANN ( SIS ) ANN ( SIS )
Patty Brown
6 May 2021Our most heartfelt condolences to all that knew Gar from his Silversmith Shop here at Viewpoint in Mesa Arizona. Gar was an integral part of our club for many years. He is truly missed.