Garth Heth

Garrett "Garth" Robert Heth, jumped into the arms of Jesus yelling "YES!" on March 28, 2024, after passing away at his home in Parker, CO after a 5 ½ year battle with Ewing Sarcoma. He was 49.99999 years old. His wife believes he died just shy of his 50th birthday because being over two years younger, he never missed an opportunity to remind her how old she is. Born to Katherine (née Ziegler) and Robert Heth on April 2, 1974, Garth leaves behind a legacy of integrity, humor, faith, and a life rich in accomplishments and relationships.

Garth spent his first two years of high school at Lutheran High, before transferring and graduating from Denver South High School in 1992. He furthered his education first at the University of Northern Colorado, and was then recruited to play lacrosse at Colorado State University. During his time at CSU, Garth was a three-year captain for the men's lacrosse team, and was inducted into the CSU Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2015. He played the positions of midfielder and face-off specialist, eventually concentrating on his FOGO (face-off get-off) skills. He was truly dominant and feared as a face-off specialist not just in college, but in post-collegiate field and box lacrosse for decades. He even made the first cut trying out for the Colorado Mammoth Pro Lacrosse Team!

After almost six years together, Garth married the love of his life, Annmarie Asik Greer, on May 19, 2023, and together, they built a life filled with love and laughter. One of the couple's favorite activities was traveling, especially to someplace warm with a beach and a fruity drink. Annie also became a de facto Washington Redskins fan. They traveled to several games, cheering the Redskins to victory with his famous "Let's go Redskins!" battle cry, and always in a crowd of disappointed opposing fans. Garth was passionate about "his team," and created a Man Cave dedicated to the Skins – a space he loved to be in to relax or work on his latest project. Garth and Annie shared a love for animals rescuing doggie daughters Reagan and Nala, and they began fostering pups last year.

He was a devoted father to Zoe Heth (15) and Kiley Heth (13), and stepfather to Alexander Greer (21) and Connor Greer (20). Garth was so very proud of his daughters and never missed a moment to brag about their many academic and sports accomplishments. Not to be outdone in the shoe department by girls because you know, everything was a competition, good grades meant a new pair of Nike Air Force Ones or the latest exclusive style of Birkenstocks for them, and a new pair of work-out shoes for him. Kiley said her dad taught her to be brave and try new things. He did love his daughters so much and always reminded them to "not get abducted" when they would go outside.

To say Garth's life was unique is an understatement. On a CSU Lacrosse Team spring break trip, Garth found himself on the Price is Right as "Cory," because he forgot his ID. He made it all the way to the Showcase Showdown, but due to having no experience pricing crystal stemware, appliances, and non-lacrosse related equipment, he did not take home the grand prize. He also jumped from a paddle boat into the Mississippi River; won two year's salary playing blackjack in Vegas; fought in 15 MMA fights; played lacrosse in Vail for over 20 summers; (with the help of his cousin) got people to double-dutch jump rope with a rope that wasn't there; and owned his own business for over a decade – Genesis Fitness – which he would tell you was a great success for everyone but him. Speaking of the gym, Garth needed to work-out as much as the rest of us need to relax! It was his happy place. Garth also found happiness and comfort in his faith. He was a devoted Christian, attending Red Rocks Church since its beginning at a theme park (you can't make this stuff up!). His relationship with God only grew as the disease progressed, and he would often quote Daniel 3:18, "and if not He is still good." We know we have a good and loving God, and Garth told many of us over the past several months, "I'm excited to meet Jesus!" Heaven has gained a faithful warrior.

Garth's legacy is carried on by his loving wife, Annmarie; his daughters, Zoe and Kiley; his parents, Katherine and Bob; his sister, Kimberley; and nephews Preston, Hunter, and Cody. His stepsons will also feel his absence, along with a wide circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, and cherished friends.

A service to celebrate Garth's life will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 11:00am at Our Father Lutheran Church at 6335 S. Holly Street, Centennial, CO 80121. A luncheon and storytelling will immediately follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Sarcoma Foundation of America at https://p2p.onecause.com/raise-your-way/annmarie-heth. Alternatively, donations can be made in memory of Garth Heth to University Hills Lutheran Church at https://uhillslutheran.org/. Additionally, family and friends are welcome to wear Redskins colors – burgundy and gold, or CSU shirts/jerseys as we gather to honor Garth's amazing life.

Garth was strong willed, competitive, ambitious, and stubborn at times, and he also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He was a fighter, loyal, and brave, and will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, cousin, teammate, and friend. His warmth, humor, and how he made you feel like you were the only person in the room, will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.