Gary Starrett, 73, of Winter Park, Florida passed away on Wednesday March 21, surrounded by family and friends.

Gary was born on January 10, 1945 in Kansas City, MO to James Starrett and Lyla Picton.

He graduated college at University of Kansas with a masters degree in mechanical engineering. His career spanned nearly 50 years. Although he was an accomplished engineer, Gary will be remembered as a masterful artist and a remarkably generous man.

He was a skilled oil painter, a sculptor of wood and metal, and a jewelry maker. He built ingenious inventions and could fix anything. He invented his own tools and created a work space beyond belief. His artwork was displayed in galleries and he donated works to charitable causes. He patiently passed on his creative skills to his children and grandchildren.

Gary was known as a quiet man with a spectacular mind. He was a deep thinker and a steady presence in the lives of so many. It would be impossible to know all of the lives he touched, inspired, and to which he generously contributed. He provided support, resources, and advice to many. He and his loving wife Mary took in and supported many people during their long sweet marriage. Gary's home was available to anyone that needed comfort, a roof over their head, or food in their belly. He opened his heart and home to those who needed a place to stay for the night, for the month, or the year. He and his wife created an extended family through their generosity.

The love between Gary and his wife Mary was an inspiration to many young couples. Their love was evident and abundant. Through 35 years of marriage they were deeply supportive of each other and were an inspiration to each other's creative endeavors. Always encouraging the other to have the fullest, richest life possible.

Gary will remain in our hearts forever as a devoted husband, an unconditionally loving father, and a grandfather with a limitless imagination. He will be deeply missed by so many.

He is survived by his wife Mary, his children Erich of Atlanta, GA, Erin Starks and her husband Brandon of Madison, WI, Max Mayfied and his wife Tanja, of Winter Park, FL, Brian Mayfield of Salina, KS, Shirley Ann (Sam) Mayfield of Boise, ID and his grandchildren, Brian Allen Mayfield, Ewan Dean Starrett, Audrey Helen Louise Starrett, Emma Marie Starrett, Rylie Brooke Mayfield, and Cooper Samuel Starks.

Services will be held at the DeGusipe funeral home on Saturday March 24th at 3:00pm with reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Gary's honor to the American Heart Association and the Colorado Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.