Glenn
Gordon Simmons, 75, of Rustic, Colorado, died on March 5, 2022, in Fort
Collins, Colorado after a year long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Glenn
was born on August 30, 1946, in Spokane, Washington. After moving to
Hays, Kansas, he later graduated from Hays High School (1964), Fort Hays
State University (1968) B.A., (1971) M.A. and (1995) M.F.A., earning
degrees in Psychology, Sculpture and Jewelry Design.
In 1972, Glenn married Jan Busch in Russell, Kansas. A daughter Gina was born in
1981. He and Jan were successful owners of two long term (30 yrs)
businesses in Hays- Tattered Covers (downtown ) and Gulliver’s Book
Store and coffee shop located in the Hays Mall. While in Hays he was a
member of the Hays Chamber Commerce, The Ambassador’s Club , the Kiwanis
Club and the FHSU President’s Club.
A love of the Poudre River
and the mountains in Colorado lured Glenn and Jan to follow their
dreams and live a quieter life in 2002. On riverfront acreage they built
a log home, where Glenn finished the interior complete with an art
studio. There Glenn pursued his passion of jewelry design, carving and
casting precious stones and metals. He belonged to the Colorado
Metalsmithing Association and the Society of North American Goldsmiths.
In 2019, Glenn won a prestigious award from the National Halstead
Jewelry Design Competition.
For 15 years Glenn was a Volunteer
Wildland firefighter and licensed EMT serving the Poudre Canyon
Community. He had many lasting friendships in the Canyon and was a
member of the Upper Poudre Canyon Association and the Poudre Canyon
Chapel.
Glenn is survived by his wife Jan of the home,
daughter Gina Rocha and son-in- law Clint Rocha, Paola, Kansas, two
granddaughters, Olive and Amelia Rocha, a sister, Sheryle Robinson,
Sedona, Arizona and a brother, Ron Simmons, Hays, Kansas and many nieces
and nephews.
Glenn was preceded in death by his parents,
Gordon and Vey Simmons, father and mother in -law Carl and Cornelia
Busch, brother-in-law Greg Robinson and grandmother Nelly Harshbarger.
Condolences and memories may be sent to the Bohlender Funeral Chapel,
Fort Collins, Colorado. Memorials are suggested to the Poudre Canyon
Fire Protection District. Poudrecanyonfpd.Colorado.gov
A private family service will follow at a later date.