Gaylord Blankenbaker Obituary

Gaylord Blankenbaker, aka "Crash", passed away December 17, 2014, the result of a fall. He was born in Stratton, CO, November 3, 1932 to Elsie and Guy Blankenbaker. He was the first of three children and the only son.

He grew up on a ranch near Kit Carson, CO, working with his father from as early as he could remember. He loved ranching and farming and thought it would be his future, but in 1956, Uncle Sam called him to serve in the U.S. Navy. San Diego was his first trip, farther than Denver, from Kit Carson. He served aboard the USS Obrien.

After his service was complete, he returned to Kit Carson only to find that due to government conservation programs, he could not acquire enough land to profitably farm, so...off to the big city of Colorado Springs.

He worked construction during the building of the Air Force Academy. He was a dare devil truck driver. Then he spent 14 "long" years at Shepherd's Citations as a printer. He left Shepherd's to pursue a new career as a general contractor and landlord. At age 54, he retired from construction to enjoy life for a few years, as the family history of heart disease would surely take him early.

Gaylord was a very loving and generous man. He struggled through many marriages in search of his perfect wife. He never did find her, but married Jill in 1999 and they had 16 wonderful years together, spending winters in Arizona, playing pool, dancing and driving his buggy.

Gaylord is survived by his wife, Jill; daughter, LeeAnn Scalia; step-daughter, Deborah Mercer (Bill); step-sons, Jeffrey Niskern (Amber), David Niskern (Sandra); grandchildren, Angelia, Nicholas, Thaddeus, Brittany, Ryan and Elsie. He was also the proud Great-Grandfather of 6.

Gaylord may never have known how many people loved him, but the outpouring of love and concern upon his passing has been overwhelming. We will miss you, Mr. B.

A celebration of his life will be held January 3, 2015 at 3:00 PM at Swan-Law Funeral Directors - 501 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs.