Gary M. Ponikiski

Gary passed away Nov. 27th on a snowy morning at Sky Ridge Medical Center, with his wife Carolyn for 49 years with him.

Gary was born in Stuttgart, Germany to Lt. Col. Mitchell and Dorothy Ponikiski. The family moved to Aurora when Gary was young and made Aurora home. Gary graduated from Aurora Central High School - class of 1973. Gary married Carolyn Sweeney July 1975 on a hot summer day.

Gary was employed for many years at Mobile Wash of Denver working for Rick Fliam, his friend. Gary found his dream job April 1990 at Denver Museum Natural History, (Denver Museum of Nature + Science.) Retiring in 2017, as Building Operations Manager.

Gary loved his family and spending time with all of them. Sisters Chris Washer, Pat (Patrick) Dwyer, Michelle Ponikiski, Brother Tom (Christine) Ponikiski, all from Kingman, AZ., Sister In Law, Susan (Dan) Hall, Barbara Sweeney, Nephews and Nieces, David, Daniel, Michael, Steven, Jason, Janelle, Karen, Jenny.

Gary loved the adventure. Off Road racing with Rick Flaim, Racing Baja 1000, Mint 400 and many more races in the desert. 

Going jeeping and ATV riding in the Colorado Mountains. Many days were spent riding above Silverton in July and September riding in Marysvale, Utah on the Piute Trail. Spending time at Moore's Old Pine Inn and setting on the porch with friends Randy + Katie. 

NQC Ranch in Wyoming with his buddy Robbie, fly fishing in the Big Horn Mountains with the moose in the stream along side them to see who had the biggest fish for the day.

Off Hwy 24 at Wilson Lakes is the family cabin since the 1960's. Built with love by his mom + dad, Brothers and Sisters. Summers enjoyed every year. Fishing the Lakes, hiking Pike forest, ATV riding on trails nearby or setting on porch watching the deer. Gary was the care taker and loved the many days spent there.

The Denver Broncos, South stand since 1965, you could find Gary and family. He loved that he had season tickets, setting in the stands his dad, Brothers, Sisters, Nephews and friend. Traveled to Alaska and spending time with Neville's in there home, fishing for Halibut and King Salmon and Bear watching. Gary had a love for adventures. 

In 2023 cruising Alaska was memorable. One of the best. Many vacations were on cruises with Tom and Teen. Adventures to the Caribbean Ports with St. John, Trunk Bay Beach his favorite, Crossing the Panama Canal and Baja Mexico Coast.

Thank you for the many Dr's at TMCA and Sky Ridge Medical Center. Special thank you to Dr. Phillip Quintana and Dr. James Hunt for the many years of care. Gary having Factor V and Lynch Syndrome, Pulmonary Hypertension and many cancer battles. Gary's fight for life - But never gave up.

Celebration of life will be at the Family cabin on a hot summer day in 2025. He so loved the outdoors and the mountains and adventures of life. Keep your memories close to your heart.