Gary Lair, formerly of Rock Springs, Wyoming passed away unexpectedly at his home in Laramie, Wyoming on December 6. Gary was born in Los Angeles California to Max and Nannie Ruth (Cockerham) Lair on March 12, 1950. Gary spent his early life in California and graduated from Eagle Mountain High School in 1968. He attended College of the Desert and later enlisted in the Army, serving for 6 years. During this time, he married Connie Ray, they later divorced. Gary lived in many places before settling in Wyoming. While in Wyoming, he worked at Jim Bridger Power Plant as an electrician. He met and married Mary McWilliams while in Wyoming, they later divorced. He retired after 30 years of employment at Jim Bridger and moved to Laramie to spend time in the nearby mountains and with his children.
Gary loved the wide-open spaces and the seclusion in nature that Wyoming offered. He spent much of his free time exploring the high desert of Southwest Wyoming on his dirt bike and in his truck. He also spent a lot of time working on his old trucks and was a very knowledgeable mechanic, pastimes which he shared with his children. In his retirement, he picked up cooking and smoking meat as a new hobby. He loved telling stories about his adventures and pointing out random details about the world, like specific types of birds very far off in the distance.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Kenny and Ronnie.
He is survived by his children; Shane, Ashley, and Scott, his siblings; Ruthie, Cathy, Rex, Todd, Lisa, Tony and Mark, several nieces and nephews, two grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
A celebration of life will be held in Laramie, Wyoming at The Great Untamed (209 S. 3rd St) on December 18 at 1pm. Donations can be made on behalf of Gary to The Public Lands Foundation or Citizens for the Red Desert.
I’m so sorry for your loss, it’s really a loss to all of us who knew him! He will always hold a special place in my heart…in 1966 I was the new girl at Eagle Mt. School and more than a little shy in this new school. I met Gary in one of our classes we were both 15. He was so nice to me and made me feel so welcome as did all the kids in Eagle Mt. For me Gary was special he was my first boyfriend, my first kiss, my first date, my first dance, my first motorcycle ride, I have wonderful memories of all the crazy things we did…I still laugh when I think of them….He will always be that sweet guy who changed my life in so many ways… My sincere condolences to Cathy and all his family. May he rest in peace! I will keep him in loving memory in my heart! Janie Mays class of 1968
Janie, thank you so much for sharing this. I know you held a special place in his heart, too.❤️Cathy Lair
I'm so sorry to hear this. My condolences Scott and Ashley
So very sorry for your loss !! 🙏🏽❤️
To Gary's family, please accept our heartfelt condolences! Gary was a cousin, friend, and classmate. We have cherished memories of him, not only of Eagle Mountain days but also the trips he made to Salt Lake City, for shopping and skiing, he and his family stayed with us! We were so happy he went to our 50th class reunion! We talked on the phone several times prior to that reunion and made tentative plans to get together! He was a gifted person with many talents! He was so proud of his children and spoke often about them! We will hold all of these cherished memories in our hearts! Be comforted in knowing you were all a part of a life well lived! Max & Irene Scott
Oh Irene, thank you so much! This warms and comforts my heart! Love to you and Max
I’m so sad to hear about Gary, he was a long time neighbor in Eagle Mountain. Many memories of marbles, go-carts, pogo sticks, kick the can, kick ball, etc as carefree kids living our best life. May God’s healing white light surround all of you as you say an earthly farewell to Gary.
Thank you, Kristy, my forever Friend. Your memories are my memories. Good, happy memories, but right now 😢💔