A Legacy of Passion, Friendship, and Community
Gary Godfrey was more than just a photographer, a business advocate, or a friendly face in Castle Rock—he was a pillar of this community and a dear friend to so many. Before co-founding the Castle Rock Local Business Alliance (LBA) with me, Sean Hakes, Gary and I spent countless mornings sharing coffee, talking about life, business, and photography—one of his many passions.
Gary had an undeniable love for small businesses and the people who ran them. He understood their struggles, their dreams, and their need for a voice in a landscape dominated by large corporations. That’s why we created the LBA—to provide a resource, a community, and a platform for independent business owners who otherwise wouldn’t have the marketing power to compete.
But what made Gary truly special was his resilience.
A Life of Passion, Perseverance, and Reinvention
Before moving to Castle Rock, Gary lived a life filled with adventure, challenges, and reinvention. Raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, he once lived the exhilarating life of a professional jockey, racing horses in Arkansas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. His love for horses and the sport never left him, but when he transitioned into business, he carried with him the same determination and passion that made him a successful athlete.
Once in Colorado, Gary built a life and a business in Glen Haven, a small town near Estes Park. He ran a store and lived peacefully, surrounded by nature, until everything changed in September 2013.
Losing Everything in the Floods
On a quiet September morning, Gary awoke to a reverse 911 call warning of impending floods. The tiny creek behind his home had transformed into a raging river, and boulders crashed against his house as the floodwaters rose. The local fire department arrived, helping him move a few belongings upstairs, all assuming the water would recede, leaving behind only a mess to clean up.
But what happened next was devastating.
During the night, a wall of water tore through Glen Haven, sweeping away Gary’s home, store, and everything he owned. Stranded in Estes Park for days, he could only wait and hope for a way out. When the roads finally opened, he made his way to Castle Rock, where his brother had recently relocated.
Instead of giving in to despair, Gary rebuilt.
Reinventing Himself in Castle Rock
The next chapter of Gary’s life was one of determination and faith. After just a few months in Castle Rock, he received a life-changing kidney transplant at the University of Colorado Hospital. This moment deepened his perspective, leading him to reflect on faith, resilience, and the meaning of life.
He put his experiences into words, publishing a book in August 2014 that told the story of his journey, his losses, and the discoveries he made about himself and his relationship with God.
By the end of that year, Gary was ready to start over. What he had lost in the floods could not be replaced, but he refused to let that stop him. He re-entered the workforce, managing two Jos. A. Bank stores—one in the Outlets at Castle Rock and another in Greenwood Village. When corporate restructuring led to store closures, he moved on to Vitamin World, all while continuing to immerse himself in photography, community advocacy, and business development.
It was during this time that our paths crossed again. Gary and I started working together on CRCO (Castle Rock Community Online), and over time, his passion for small business only grew stronger.
Building the Castle Rock Local Business Alliance
By 2016, Gary saw something happening in Castle Rock—explosive growth. He wanted to be part of it, not just as an observer, but as a voice for local businesses that risked being overshadowed. His involvement in town affairs deepened, and together, we co-founded the Castle Rock Local Business Alliance (LBA).
The LBA was a movement, not just an organization. It gave small business owners a chance to be heard, to connect, and to compete in a rapidly changing town. Whether through networking, education, or simply a handshake and a conversation, Gary made sure every business owner felt seen, valued, and supported.
A Friend to All
Gary was one of those rare individuals who never met a stranger. Whether it was a business owner, a neighbor, or someone he ran into at the coffee shop, he had a way of making people feel immediately at home. He loved shaking hands, checking in on people, and capturing the beauty of Castle Rock through his photography.
His contributions were recognized by the Castle Rock Town Council, who honored him with a proclamation celebrating his impact. Those who knew him best described him as a mentor, a friend, and a constant source of positivity.
When Gary walked into a room, the energy shifted. You couldn’t help but feel better just being around him. He listened without judgment, offered advice without hesitation, and never lost his sense of humor, even in the toughest times.
Carrying His Vision Forward
Losing Gary in December 2021 was an immeasurable loss, but his vision and spirit live on.
Here at aaero, we are committed to continuing what we started together—supporting small businesses in a way that truly makes a difference. aaeroEDGE™ builds upon the foundation of the LBA, adding business coaching, marketing support, and hands-on services to give independent businesses an even stronger chance to succeed.
We are honored to carry his vision to greater heights and ensure that his impact on this community never fades.
A Lasting Tribute
To honor Gary’s memory, the Castle Rock Town Council voted to place a memorial bench in Festival Park and display some of his beautiful photography at Town Hall. It is a fitting tribute to a man who captured the heart of this town—both through his lens and in the way he lived his life.
Gary, you are deeply missed, but your legacy will live on in every handshake, every small business that thrives, and every life you touched.
Rest in peace, my friend.