The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Gerald Francis Gasvoda, 78, of Golden, Colorado joined our Heavenly Father July 29, 2017. "Gerry" or "Bud" Gasvoda, son of Frank and Mary Gasvoda, and loving husband for 52 years of Connie Gasvoda, passed away at the Collier Hospice Center in Wheat Ridge, Colorado after a long battle with cancer.

Bud was born in Havre, Montana on May 19, 1939. After attending a one-room schoolhouse, he graduated from Big Sandy High School in 1957. After high school, Bud served in the US Navy where his love of flying was born. He was stationed in Japan, Hawaii and Alaska with his US Navy flight crew. Bud earned his Bachelors and Masters in Electrical Engineering from Montana State University before beginning his career with the Bell Telephone system in Helena, Montana. In 1973, Bud and Connie moved their young family to Golden, Colorado where he worked for Mountain Bell for 30 years before retiring. He began a second career at Colorado Serum Company in Denver in 2001 until his illness forced him to retire in June of 2017.

Bud was a model husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was the ultimate engineer who could fix anything and enjoyed a challenge. His passion for flying motivated him to earn his pilot's license after retiring from Mountain Bell. He and Connie enjoyed many days cruising the skies along the Rockies.

His wife Connie, daughter Kim Hight of Arvada, Colorado, and son Kevin Gasvoda and daughter-in-law Allison of Darien, Connecticut survive Bud. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Breanne (Brett) Gabel, Brittany Hight, Brandi (Doug) Bertram, Max, Olivia and Grace Gasvoda; two great grandsons, Cash and Morrison Gabel; sister Marj (Larry) Jappe of Havre, brothers Francis (Doris) and Arnie (Pam) Gasvoda of Big Sandy, brother-in-law Mark Loney of Havre; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Services were held Saturday, August 5 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Lakewood, Colorado at 12:30pm. Donations may be made in his name to Concordia Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.

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