Obituary: Gary L. Nordloh

October 22, 1947 – September 6, 2024

Gary Lee Nordloh was born on October 22, 1947, to William and Ellen Nordloh. Gary, a native of Strasburg, Colorado, passed away on September 6, 2024, in Granby, Colorado.
Gary graduated from the Colorado School of Mines in 1971 with a degree in petroleum engineering. He began his career in the oil and gas exploration and production business with Worthington Pumps before joining Amoco Production Company (Standard Oil of Indiana) where he worked in various towns in Wyoming and then Denver. After Amoco, Gary worked for Hamilton Brothers in Denver as VP of Engineering and North Sea Operations before joining the Questar companies in 1984 as manager of engineering – relocating to Salt Lake City, Utah. Gary was named president and CEO of Questar’s exploration and production subsidiaries (including Celsius Energy, Wexpro Company, et al) in 1991 and held those positions until his retirement in 2002. Under Gary’s leadership the Questar exploration and production companies significantly grew production and reserves beyond its traditional Rockies footprint through numerous acquisitions and significant drilling programs. During his oil and gas career Gary also served as president of the Rocky Mountain Oil and Gas Association, regional vice president of the Independent Petroleum Association of America and was a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
After retiring from Questar, Gary and his wife Alice Lockhart Nordloh, who was the love of his life that preceded him in death in 2018, moved from Salt Lake City to his second love, the Snider 55 Ranch in Granby, Colorado. During retirement Gary and Alice loved entertaining at the Ranch, especially down at the fishing cabin. Gary and Alice were active participants in the haying operation at the ranch, including operating and repairing the equipment. Gary served on the Grand Fire District board of Directors for four years. Gary and Alice loved their time in Kona, Hawaii that included spending time fishing for marlin and tuna on “Lady”, their 1967 37′ Merritt classic boat which they refurbished to pristine condition. Gary was a consummate collector and loved sharing his collections of classic cars, trucks, knives and guns.
Gary’s other true loves were his dogs. He loved Golden Retrievers and anyone who knows Goldens knows that they are prone to cancer. Gary had a dog that developed cancer and as a result he and Alice became very familiar with the Colorado State University One Cure Program, a collaborative program integrating human and animal cancer research and treatment. With Alice and his dog both having cancer, supporting this program became a big part of Gary’s life. Gary passed peacefully at home with his faithful dog Allie at his side.
Gary is survived by two sisters, Pam Nordloh Ervin and Cheryl Nordloh Kell. A private celebration of Gary’s life will be held in Denver, CO. If desired, a contribution may be made to a charity of choice in Gary’s memory.

Link to original article