More detail on this person: Gary Martin Omdahl was born July 6, 1945, in Brooklyn, NY. He died March 28, 2021, at Collier Hospice Center in Wheat Ridge, CO. He was 75 years old. Gary's early life was divided between Brooklyn and south Florida. As a child, his passions were baseball, handball, James Cagney movies, music from the 40s, and NY pizza. At 18 he joined the army, became a Chief Warrant Officer (CW2). and was admitted to flight school specializing in piloting helicopters. Deployed to Southeast Asia, he flew helicopters during the Vietnam War from [1966-1967]. Following military service, Gary moved to Denver, CO with his first wife Eleanor and his stepchildren, Roger and Janie. Shortly thereafter, they expanded their family, which included two daughters. In 1970, Gary joined the Denver Police Department. He served the community as a detective for 33 years. In 1986, at age 41, Gary joined Alcoholics Anonymous, an event he described as a turning point in his life. He was an active member for 34 years. He held numerous positions in the organization and sponsored about 200 people throughout his membership. He was outspoken in saying that his life was guided by the principles of the fellowship, which he credited not just with saving his life, but spurring an interest in studying several spiritual traditions. In the words of those closest to him, he led a spirit-centered life anchored in service and community. He walked the talk. Gary was a beloved husband, father, father-figure, mentor, friend, brother and fellow human on the path. Gary is survived by his wife and love of his life of 29 years, Barb, and his youngest daughter, Ilka Omdahl. His oldest daughter Samantha Delery died in 2005. Gary will also be missed by Barb's children Kira Schueppert and Mike Chalian. Also missing Gary will be his grandchildren Madison Delery and Jordan Venables; Haley, Taeya, and Payton Schueppert; and Khaner Chalian. Gary's legacy will be one of service, compassion and willingness to do the next right thing. He will be missed by so many who found guidance and inspiration from his direct relationship with the truth as he knew it as well as his continued kindness. His service to family, to fellowship, to community, and to country made this world a better place.
This information was last updated 09/15/2025
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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025
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