Gary Farmer

Gary Raymond Farmer, son of Raymond D. and Olive (Ward) Farmer, died at his home on Thursday, December 29, 2016. “Farmer” as Gary was called by most all who knew him, was an avid rodeo fan and participant in his younger days. He followed Buster Webb’s amateur circuit from Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.
Working on the ranches and sheep herding, consumed most of his time for the rest of his working days. He was a very good “mule skinner” (according to his longtime friend, John Malarsie), who packed sheep camps with Gary during the summers, from the Colorado mountains to New Mexico and Utah. He had a working knowledge of the Navajo language which enabled him to communicate with his Native American employees.
Gary was a long standing member of the BPOE #507 and an associate member of the American Legion. For several years Gary provided Christmas trees from his ranch for the club.

“Gary was one of the hardest working men I have ever had the privilege to know,” stated his wife. He worked seven days a week, weather (and later his health) permitting up until the day he passed away.

He loved animals and especially his faithful wire hair terriers (Pete and Zeke), who were his constant companions throughout his life.

Gary, a shy man, was most comfortable outdoors with his sheep, horses, mules and dogs. He was a sheep rancher all his life, having followed in his father’s footsteps. His greatest joy, in recent years, was irrigating pastures and in his own words, “Watching the grasses grow.”

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and several of his drinking, “pards!” He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Glenna (Jeanne) Parks-Farmer; sister, Marcia Ann Stephenson; nephew, Robert Stephenson; niece, Tami Iquinta; great niece, Madison Iquinta; great niece, Madison Iquinta; great nephews, Brayden and Cole Stephenson; step-sons, Tommy Jaques, Brett and Bryan Wells.

Cremation has occurred. A Celebration of his life will be held on January 28, 2017 at 2pm at the VFW of Durango.