Gary Donnelly

Following a long battle with cancer, Gary Michael Donnelly, 64, of Casper, Wyoming passed away at home surrounded by his family on Friday, August 8, 2014. He was born on February 22, 1950 in Wendell, Idaho to Paul Everett and Marjorie Tanis Brown Donnelly. He was raised in Soda Springs, ID by Marjorie and his stepfather, Gayle Ehresman. Gary graduated from Gooding High School (Gooding, ID) in 1968, and went on to complete a Bachelor's and Masters' degree in Education at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. While in college, Gary met and married Julie Halseth on June 30, 1978. They are the parents of five children. Early in his career, Gary taught high school business classes in Emmett, ID. The couple later moved to Casper in 1981 for a one year teaching opportunity at Casper College. That one year contract would turn into a 31 year career of teaching and service to the students and faculty in the Division of Business. Gary served as the Chairman of the Business Division for several years and often served as the faculty advisor for various student clubs and organizations. An asset to his teaching was his innate sense of humor and his willingness to assist students in any way needed. Gary also authored several publications and received numerous awards for teaching and the creation of innovative programs at the college. He retired from the college in 2012 and was awarded professor emeritus status. Even in retirement, he enjoyed teaching online courses as an adjunct faculty member whenever possible. Gary enjoyed teaching at the college, traveling for work and consulting opportunities, watching his children grow-up, and spending time with his dog "Bubbles" who was a special companion. When his children grew older he invited them along on his trips to see the sights with him. He spent the past several years arranging and completing numerous home improvement projects and especially enjoyed inviting friends and family to spend time in his basement bar he called "Donnelly's Irish Pub." Gary enjoyed and often told stories about his five children: Stephanie of Denver, CO; Katie of Casper; Michael of Fort Collins, CO; Shaun of Casper; and Sara of Casper. He is also survived by his wife and the love of his life, Julie, his sister Paula (Kelley) Benningfield of Pocatello, ID, his mother-in-law Barbara Halseth of Kendrick, ID, his sister-in-law Christine (James) Mattoon of Lake Steven, WA, and six nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-father, and father-in-law, Orville Halseth. Gary had many friends and co-workers who were very supportive throughout his life and especially during his illness. His family would like to thank the many people who inspired Gary to become the great man he was. A special thank you to the numerous nurses, doctors, and other medical providers who assisted with his care throughout his illness. Gary's Last Call (a casual open-house celebration of his life) will be held from 4 to 7pm on Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at Three Crowns Golf Club (1601 King Boulevard Casper, WY 82604). He will be laid to rest later this month in a family cemetery in Idaho. Memorial donations in his honor can be made to Fight Colorectal Cancer at:www.fightcolorectalcancer.org. Gary will be missed, but never forgotten.