Gary Lynn Holsan

Gary Holsan’s journey came to end on October 25. He was 81 years old. He leaves behind a legacy of love of family, kindness and cherished memories.

Gary was born in Clifton, Colorado to Robert and Edna Holsan. He had two brothers, Richard and Kent, and one sister, Myrna. Often referring to his childhood as a “Tom Sawyer” way of life, he had a happy childhood filled with fun and adventure. He greatly enjoyed baseball, always playing catcher. He was an avid lover of the outdoors and spent his time camping, hunting, hiking, fishing and picking fruit in the local orchards. A favorite family activity in his youth was hunting for arrowheads in the Grand Mesa.

 In keeping with his passion for the outdoors, Gary received his Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University in Forest and Range Management. His first job was with the U.S. Forest Service, and he was assigned to the Idaho Falls Ranger District, which also coincided with the military draft for the Vietnam War. Thus, he subsequently enlisted in the Army and was assigned to Fort Belvoir in Virginia, where he taught Combat Engineering. 

 Following his time in the Army, Gary was eligible for the Reemployment Rights Act and returned to a career in the Forest Service. Fate intervened, and he was assigned to the Thayne, Wyoming Ranger District where he met Linda (Hebdon), his loving wife of 53 years.

 Gary spent the next 13 years laying out timber sales, fighting forest fires and working hard to manage and maintain Wyoming’s beautiful forests. While serving as the Assistant Ranger, an opportunity came up to leave the Forest Service and he set out to start his own business as an environmental consultant. He was a pioneer in his profession, recognizing the need to help protect the environment while still utilizing the land, he created a successful business as a result. He made countless lifelong friendships during his career – all of which had a positive impact on his life. 

 Gary contributed to several community service organizations, including the Thayne Volunteer Fire Department, Lincoln County Planning and Zoning and gave many years of service to the Lost Creek Irrigation System. One of his favorite hobbies was horse racing, as an owner and handicapper, traveling around the country visiting racetracks.

Beloved by many, Gary was most known and loved for his wit and keen sense of humor. He had the ability to bring a laugh and smile to anyone he met. He had a never-ending positive attitude and found the good in everyone and in all things. Gary’s ability to provide levity to any situation, along with his sensible advice and cheerful smile, will be greatly missed.

Together Gary and Linda created a family foundation built on unrelenting love and support for their children and grandchildren. Nothing brought him more joy than following the adventures and achievements of his grandchildren. The family takes comfort in knowing his kind and loving spirit will live on through his family. Gary and Linda have three children and seven grandchildren: Jade (Kirsten) Holsan - Emily and Brayden; Nikki (Ron) Johnson - Jada (Grant), Addie and Dane; and Holli (Pete) Kana - Atlas and Poppi. 

At Gary's request, a celebration of life will be held at a later time. Should friends desire, donations can be made to the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust in Gary's name. Please visit https://wsglt.org