Claire Gilkey Obituary

Our family has been close friends with Claire and Pres and their family for almost 45 years. Our children, now in their 40's, knew Claire and Pres as Grandma and Grandpa Gilkey, and we have many happy memories of holidays at their home in Colorado Springs. We will always remember both of them as kind, funny, and generous friends. We watched as their children and grandchildren grew up, and through all their experiences and trials, and Pres's death, Claire was always strong and caring. She donated enormous amounts of time and effort to the community through her services to seniors, and to her beloved Mountain Mamas. Whenever she joined any organization, or supported any cause, she always devoted all her strength and energy to it. We will always remember Claire as a strong and faithful friend.

Ken and Jan Myers

It is an honor to be able to count Claire as a friend. As with many others Claire and I served together on the Regional Advisory Council for the Area Agency on Aging. We had a lot of great discussions. Claire was always ready to be an advocate, always involved and always had a project going. Reading these guest book entries it is obvious that Claire had a very positive effect on many lives. It is nice to look back on a meaningful and helpful life. We have truly lost a very "Young at Heart" senior.

Claire was the first person I hired at the Colorado Springs Senior Center. Additionally, she accompanied me every Thursday to help with Senior Live! I remember a snow storm driving back. It was white-out conditions and occasionally we would hold hands; quietly reassuring that we would make it home. Claire danced, volunteered, and was an important friend. I know she is with the Lord. God bless her family at this time of change.

I am so saddened by the loss of Claire, whom I used to call my "Un-Mom" because my own mother lived so far away. I was one of her "Un-Daughters" who loved her so much. I met Claire when she first became involved with ViewPointe back in 1986. Since then she has been an astoundingly devoted and effective Seniors Advocate. We worked together creating Generation Journey and we all enjoyed her wonderful Mountain Mama's performances. She never said no to a chance to help the senior community and her legacy will live on. Ever-active, ever-loving, ever-kind, she had a beautiful spirit inside and out and her love of the Lord shined through her. May we be more like her. I love you Claire.

My heart is heavy to hear of Claire's passing. I spent some wonderful hours with her at the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging on the Advisory Council. We served a couple of years together on the Council and then I convinced her to come back for another 2 years when I was the membership chair. I also used to go to Pikes Peak Towers to play "Jeopardy" with the residents and she was always front, row & center playing with us. She was a bright, charming and most importantly classy lady. Love & will miss you Claire!

I was fortunate to serve with Claire on the Regional Advisory Council for the Area Agency on Aging. She was an enthusiastic board member, supportive of new ideas, and bridged a gap for many of us. She will be sorely missed.

Claire was such a wonderful friend and champion of Senior Insurance Assistance when we first started and spent many evenings at the office near the senior center. She kept us going with her love and support and I will sincerely miss her as I know so very many will.

Claire was a huge asset to her community and was loved by many. I was fortunate to work with Claire during the time that she served as a volunteer on the Regional Advisory Council of the Area Agency on Aging. Claire took her role seriously and always advocated for those she felt didn't have a voice of their own. What a dear she was too, so thoughtful and kind. I shall miss her spark in this world. May her memory be for a blessing.

It was my honor to work with Claire at the Colorado Springs Senior Center for over nine years and know that she'll be missed by many. The senior community, which she was such an important part of, will miss a dedicated advocate. I'm so very sorry for your great loss.

My deepest sympathy for your loss of Claire. I worked with Claire @ the Springs Senior Center for a few years.

I worked with Claire for many, many years at the Senior Center. She was a special lady and a friend. She will meet a lot of friends in heaven.

To the family of Claire.
She worked with me at the Colorado Springs Senior Center where she was a vital participant and staff person for over 13 years. She was missed after she quit coming, but she always supported our program by spreading the word at the Towers. I will be making a donation to the CSSC in her honor. She was such a caring woman!