Gayland Steven Thompson

Gayland Steven Thompson, age 69, passed away peacefully at the Historic Calamity Camp on the Uncompahgre Plateau on October 17, 2022, while out on a ride enjoying the fall colors and a picnic with his family.

Gayland was born on October 4, 1953 in Montrose, Colorado to his parents Oran Thompson and Lilly Duteil Thompson. Gayland grew up and attended schools in Nucla, Colorado.  He joined the Navy in 1973.

Gayland married Jane Catt on January 24, 1974 and they had 3 children, Kristi, Brandi and Cody. In 1994, they adopted Logan and in 2003, they adopted Sadie, Seth and Spencer.

Gayland spent 8 years in the Navy, stationed in San Diego and Long Beach, CA and Great Lakes, IL and then moved back to Colorado, settling in Paradox and working for Atlas Minerals. When the uranium mines closed, Gayland rejoined the Navy and stayed 12 more years, honored to be a part of the Reagan era Navy.  He was a decorated veteran, who served in the US Navy for 20 years and the Colorado National Guard for 3 years. He retired as a Machinist Mate Senior Chief in 1994. The family returned to Colorado and settled back in Paradox.

Gayland loved to play golf and was always up for a trip to the golf course. He taught all of his kids and grandkids how to play and just last week he was able to play golf with his great grandson, Kato.

Anyone who knew Gayland knew that he loved his family and was the rock that they all leaned on. Gayland is survived by his wife Jane and his children, Kristi Schultz of Alaska, Brandi Thompson of Nucla, CO, Cody and Shayna Thompson of Naturita, CO, and Logan and Jamie Thompson of El Cajon, CA. He was blessed with grandchildren Sadie, Seth and Spencer, whom he and Jane adopted; Austin, Ashlee, Kaylee and Xander and great grandsons Kato and Leo James.

Gayland is also survived by his mother Lilly Conwell of Grand Junction, CO, and his siblings Randy & Dena Thompson of Grand Junction, CO, Janice Thompson of Montana, Nancy Bassett of St. George, UT, Chris Wright of Grand Junction, CO and Glory Ugalde of Grand Junction.

Gayland was loved immensely by family members Dean & Cathy Catt, Duane & Sharon Johannsen, Rick & Wendy Boone, Zane & Heidi Williams, Chris & Aimee Tooker, Josh Johannsen, and many more nieces, nephews and cousins. Additionally, Gayland was loved by dear friends and co-grandparents, Jim & Patti Schultz. Gayland was preceded in death by his father, Oran (Junior) Thompson and his in-laws, whom he loved very much, Bill and Ruthann Catt.

Gayland has served as the Commander of VFW Uranium Post 9058 for the past 10 years and the family requests that donations in lieu of flowers be made to Uranium Post 9058, PO Box 423, Nucla, CO 81424. Services to Celebrate the Life of Gayland will be held Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 11:00 am, at the Paradox Valley School, in Paradox, Paradox, Colorado.

Arrangements are under the care of Crippin Funeral Home of Montrose, Colorado.