In Memory Of
Gary William Van Houten
1952
2016
Gary William Van Houten
December 19, 1952 — June 7, 2016
Gary William van Houten , 63, of Lakewood, passed away June 7, 2016.
Gary was the second child born to Bill and Gloria van Houten. He was a "Phone Company" baby, since both of his parents worked with Mountain Bell. Gary's first job with the Phone Company was as a Directory Assistance Operator. Imagine a 19-year-old being one of three men in a call center of over 200 women. He became a life-long feminist as a result of this unique life experience, always and ever the champion and protector of women's rights, and defender of women from the oppression of the patriarchy.
Gary had two children, Emily and Bill with his second wife, Laure. He was thrilled to be able to hold his first-born, daughter Emily, for two hours after she was born. His second child, Billy, was likewise adored. His choices in career and life were large driven by his need to be available to his children at any time. He turned down work that entailed travel and advancement opportunities so he could be a "full time" dad. It was with great joy and pride that his kids excelled in Westernaires, the local mounted drill team program for kids in Lakewood. The family made many life-long friends within that community, many of whom were like sons and daughters to him.
Gary retired from the Phone Company in 2004, 2 months after marrying Kate (Sterling, nee O'Donnell) van Houten. This early separation from work allowed him time to work on many of his hobbies and projects at the house and beyond. He later attended Red Rocks Community College and earned two certificates in Multimedia Technology/Web Page Design and Computer Info. Systems/Web Design, with a 4.0 average. Considering his highest level of schooling prior to this was 12th grade, and without the, ahem, 4.0 average, he was very proud of this accomplishment. He worked as a subcontractor to Two Hundred, Inc., and was a key member of the team that designed many transportation related websites in the Denver area, as well as other states.
Gary pursued his spiritual enrichment by studying, practicing and teaching the religion of Wicca, first through the College of Wicca and Old Lore, and thereafter through our own groups: Sacred Stone Circle (2010-2012) and Chrysalis Circle (2012-present). He taught over [60] students in both the Wicca Basics program and beyond. As a Third Degree High Priest of Wicca, he participated in and spearheaded many activities, rituals and events for the larger Denver Metropolitan Pagan and Wiccan Community. He performed Handfastings for friends and others, and was always willing to step forward when asked, even at the last minute, to help other groups needing volunteers or a priest to present ritual. Wicca is an nature-based spiritual practice which focuses on, as we teach, balance between polarities, honoring and working with the Old Gods, and healing ourselves within and the world.
Everyone agrees that Gary's or HavenWood's (his circle name) hallmark characteristics are that of humor in all situations, wit and wisdom, kindness and gentleness with all. The exceptions would be those who violated his very deepest principles of not injuring others, especially women and children. He also was not above going parental on strangers' children in grocery stores.
The tremendous hole and empty space that his passing has left in the hearts of his family and friends is only matched by the greater emptiness that he leaves in his community of schoolmates, work associates and friends on the facebook group ALS: We are all in it together, a support forum for people with ALS (PALs) and caregivers of those with ALS (CALs), the medical support teams that cared for him, his wife and family, and the local Rocky Mountain Chapter of the ALS Association.
He is survived by His Wife, Kate van Houten; Parents, William & Gloria van Houten, Daughter, Emily R. (Bill Blitz) van Houten; Son, Bill G. (Rachel) van Houten; Sister, Susan J. Cariveau; Niece, Kelle J. (Christopher) Hawkins; Nephew, Brandon C. Cariveau.
Memorial contributions may be made to ALS Association Rocky Mountain Chapter, 10855 Dover Street, Westminster, CO 80021.
Saturday, July 2, 2016 10-11 am, Denver Union Station Plaza - Please go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpKiuVVXXeA and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVjjlZkVHdM to celebrate Gary van Houten's life.
A Memorial Service for Gary/HavenWood will be held 1:00-4:00 pm Sunday 07/03 at Jefferson Unitarian Church (JUC), 14350 W 32nd Ave, Golden, CO 80401. This will be a service to celebrate his life, and in keeping with his exuberant spirit, please wear bright colors, not the typical black attire. Desserts (Gary's favorite pies) will be provided, and if you feel inclined, please bring something you find especially delightful in the dessert category. Feel free to share this information with as many people as you know would want to attend.
To share a memory of Gary or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
Gary was the second child born to Bill and Gloria van Houten. He was a "Phone Company" baby, since both of his parents worked with Mountain Bell. Gary's first job with the Phone Company was as a Directory Assistance Operator. Imagine a 19-year-old being one of three men in a call center of over 200 women. He became a life-long feminist as a result of this unique life experience, always and ever the champion and protector of women's rights, and defender of women from the oppression of the patriarchy.
Gary had two children, Emily and Bill with his second wife, Laure. He was thrilled to be able to hold his first-born, daughter Emily, for two hours after she was born. His second child, Billy, was likewise adored. His choices in career and life were large driven by his need to be available to his children at any time. He turned down work that entailed travel and advancement opportunities so he could be a "full time" dad. It was with great joy and pride that his kids excelled in Westernaires, the local mounted drill team program for kids in Lakewood. The family made many life-long friends within that community, many of whom were like sons and daughters to him.
Gary retired from the Phone Company in 2004, 2 months after marrying Kate (Sterling, nee O'Donnell) van Houten. This early separation from work allowed him time to work on many of his hobbies and projects at the house and beyond. He later attended Red Rocks Community College and earned two certificates in Multimedia Technology/Web Page Design and Computer Info. Systems/Web Design, with a 4.0 average. Considering his highest level of schooling prior to this was 12th grade, and without the, ahem, 4.0 average, he was very proud of this accomplishment. He worked as a subcontractor to Two Hundred, Inc., and was a key member of the team that designed many transportation related websites in the Denver area, as well as other states.
Gary pursued his spiritual enrichment by studying, practicing and teaching the religion of Wicca, first through the College of Wicca and Old Lore, and thereafter through our own groups: Sacred Stone Circle (2010-2012) and Chrysalis Circle (2012-present). He taught over [60] students in both the Wicca Basics program and beyond. As a Third Degree High Priest of Wicca, he participated in and spearheaded many activities, rituals and events for the larger Denver Metropolitan Pagan and Wiccan Community. He performed Handfastings for friends and others, and was always willing to step forward when asked, even at the last minute, to help other groups needing volunteers or a priest to present ritual. Wicca is an nature-based spiritual practice which focuses on, as we teach, balance between polarities, honoring and working with the Old Gods, and healing ourselves within and the world.
Everyone agrees that Gary's or HavenWood's (his circle name) hallmark characteristics are that of humor in all situations, wit and wisdom, kindness and gentleness with all. The exceptions would be those who violated his very deepest principles of not injuring others, especially women and children. He also was not above going parental on strangers' children in grocery stores.
The tremendous hole and empty space that his passing has left in the hearts of his family and friends is only matched by the greater emptiness that he leaves in his community of schoolmates, work associates and friends on the facebook group ALS: We are all in it together, a support forum for people with ALS (PALs) and caregivers of those with ALS (CALs), the medical support teams that cared for him, his wife and family, and the local Rocky Mountain Chapter of the ALS Association.
He is survived by His Wife, Kate van Houten; Parents, William & Gloria van Houten, Daughter, Emily R. (Bill Blitz) van Houten; Son, Bill G. (Rachel) van Houten; Sister, Susan J. Cariveau; Niece, Kelle J. (Christopher) Hawkins; Nephew, Brandon C. Cariveau.
Memorial contributions may be made to ALS Association Rocky Mountain Chapter, 10855 Dover Street, Westminster, CO 80021.
Saturday, July 2, 2016 10-11 am, Denver Union Station Plaza - Please go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpKiuVVXXeA and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVjjlZkVHdM to celebrate Gary van Houten's life.
A Memorial Service for Gary/HavenWood will be held 1:00-4:00 pm Sunday 07/03 at Jefferson Unitarian Church (JUC), 14350 W 32nd Ave, Golden, CO 80401. This will be a service to celebrate his life, and in keeping with his exuberant spirit, please wear bright colors, not the typical black attire. Desserts (Gary's favorite pies) will be provided, and if you feel inclined, please bring something you find especially delightful in the dessert category. Feel free to share this information with as many people as you know would want to attend.
To share a memory of Gary or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary William Van Houten, please visit our flower store.
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