Gailen Farney

Gailen Farney of Grand Junction, Colorado passed from this earthly home to his eternal home in heaven with his loving wife and daughters by his side on June 23rd after a year long battle with cancer. He was born in Grand Junction in 1942 to Norman and Hazel Farney. The eldest of seven siblings, he grew up in Grand Junction until moving to Denver briefly as a teenager. He returned to Grand Junction where by chance he ran into a former Clifton Junior High classmate; Donna Helton. A romance bloomed and he and Donna married in December of 1962. In 1966 he was called to serve his country during the Vietnam conflict. He was fortunate not to be deployed to Vietnam and he proudly served at a Naval Air Station near Pearl Harbor as a heavy equipment operator for the US Navy Seabees. During their stay in Hawaii Gailen and Donna welcomed their first daughter Shauna Renae and after their return to Grand Junction in 1969 their second daughter Gaye Lynn was born, completing their family. 

Gailen’s top priority throughout his life was providing the best life possible for his wife and his two daughters, working very hard to accomplish that. He was always thoughtful, kind and considerate, always willing to lend a helping hand. Gailen worked in the trucking/freight delivery business and was well known for his talents in automotive restoration. He restored many vintage vehicles through the years, always having a project car in his shop or fixing/repairing fender benders for friends, family, and neighbors. He spent many hours volunteering at his church delivering for the food pantry and he enjoyed the time he spent being the “cook” for the men’s monthly fellowship breakfast. He also loved to fish and try his luck on the golf course. 

Gailen leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Donna Farney, Daughters Shauna (Aaron) Hale, Gaye Lynn (Neil) Goluba and four grandchildren, Caleb, Jayden (Troy), Reese and Rilyn, A sister Gloria (John) Wilson and brother Dennis. Two aunts, Lorraine O’nan and Phyllis Stewart, several nieces and nephews and numerous cousins. Much love to his late Aunt Ila Mae Miracle who had a special place in his heart. Gailen was loved by many and he will be missed by all that knew him. On Friday, August 16, 2024 a Veterans Military service will be held at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado at 10am and later that day a Memorial Service/Celebration of Life gathering at 5pm at the Chipeta Golf Course clubhouse with food and fellowship.