Gary Ira Storch (80) of Taos, NM (born in Brooklyn, NY) passed away on 8/5 at home, surrounded by his family and dogs. Gary lived with stage 4 metastatic cancer for nearly 3 years, and during that time he kept a positive attitude and enjoyed every day to the fullest.
He is survived and loved by his wife of 54 years, Donna, his daughters, Ariel Gustafson (Erik), and Aleta Storch (Derick Lester), his favorite and only granddaughter, Neva Lynn Gustafson, his nephew Mark Storch (Angela and daughter Zoe), close family friend, Allan Wilcox, and his 2 beloved dogs, Reba We’ll See and Cash.
Gary was a veteran, having served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. This experience shaped his beliefs and kept him politically informed and active throughout his life. He was truly a patriot and remained an outspoken defender of unconditional human respect and social justice.
Gary and his wife Donna officially settled in Taos in the late 70s, where they built their home, raised their 2 daughters, and adopted many dogs over the years.
Gary’s greatest loves in life were his family, music, & travel. He had the biggest, softest heart for animals, and never turned away a dog, cat, bird, or even a piglet in need.
Gary has degrees in wildlife and animal science from SUNY and NMSU and worked as a wildlife biologist for over a decade. He then spent many years skiing and working at Taos Ski Valley. Gary was always an entrepreneur and businessman at heart. He started Taos Mountain Satellite out of his pickup truck in the early 90s and developed it over the years into the popular and successful Taos Mountain Electronics company.
For the last several years, DJ Gary hosted his weekly Friday morning music show, “Anything and Everything” (where you never knew what you were going to get) for the local radio station, KNCE. It filled him with so much joy to share his passion for music with his listeners.
Gary’s smile would light up the room. He always made friends everywhere he went, enjoyed talking with anyone and everyone, and was connected to so many people in (and outside of) the Taos community. He was big-hearted, hilarious, generous, and never afraid to be exactly who he was.
He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered, as a husband, father, grandpa, uncle, friend, mentor, boss-man, dog-whisperer, radio DJ, and more.
A celebration of life will be planned, (and posted here as well as on social media), at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: NMDOG, or the TeamWorks program at TEENS, Inc. To honor Gary, the family suggests putting on your favorite Americana song at full volume, and thinking of him with all of your love.
**NOTE***
Please join us in remembering and celebrating the life of Gary Storch, who passed away on 8/5/2023. The family will be hosting a memorial on Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 12-3pm at Daleee / KTAO Solar Center (9 State Road 150, El Prado, NM). The service will begin at 12:30pm, with a celebration to follow.
Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com
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About |
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| Name | Gary Storch |
| Date of Birth | 1942 |
| Date of Death | August 5th, 2023 |
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Memorial |
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| Funeral Home | Rivera Family Funeral Home - Taos | |
| Address |
818 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur Taos NM 87571 United States |
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published a tribute .
It was truly a pleasure knowing him for many years as well as you Donna! I am very sorry for your loss as he was a wonderful man who I always enjoyed chatting with around town or at the pueblo. Our sincere condolences goes out to you and your family!
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published a tribute .
Dearest Donna, Aleta and Ariel,
Deepest condolences about Gary's passing. He was definitely a long time friend of the family and is part of my earliest memories back in the day 70s-80s-90s, always engaging, loving and kind. I was just thinking of him 2 weeks ago and asked my honey if he'd seen Gary lately. I had no idea he was 80! or had any health issues... I'm sorry and hope that you are all at peace with his passing. Much love to everyone. His vigor and enthusiasm for life will be remembered. Jessica, Lafe and the kiddos
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published a comment .
This is Julia Pyatt.. I had no idea Gary had died. Thank you for posting this!
Oh my gosh, I loved Gary. He was one of the first people I met when I worked at Taos Ski Valley in 1987 as Ernie Blake's Secretary.
Ernie and Rhoda as many know, lived in their apartment across from the Old Hondo Lodge. This was when Ernie placed Martini Porons in hidden spots around the mountain. In the Springtime, we had a hilarious day time hangout right underneath their apartment. Sunbathing lounge chairs, Flamingo's, all sorts of beach and surf stuff. We would gather and watch Wayne fly down Al's Run in this shorts. No shirt and incredibly tan. Gary was so funny. We would lie their and get into fits of laughter with the gang. All sorts of people would come over on their breaks. At the time, Gary worked in the Rental Shop. I think Manny did too.
Peter Mackaness and his massive sombrero would waltz over spinning his yarns. Ernie would stop down and join us. Rhoda would nod her head as she went upstairs. This is seriously one of my favorite life memories. A toast to you my valiant friend. Bon Voyage and I wish only the best for your family and friends here on Planet Earth... Much love, Julia
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published a tribute .
Dear Donna, Arielle & Aleta,
Man, do we have such wonderful memories of Gary! He was one of the first people Jim and I met when we moved to Taos. He was always there for a laugh, a joke, and a hug. One thing Gary did was make every one of us feel like we meant the world to him no matter how long we went in between seeing him. He had a great gift of just loving people. Every single time I ran into him he immediately told me everything his 3 ladies were up to, he was so proud of all of you and it showed how much he loved you. I'm so glad he was someone we got to know! We are sending love, wishing you peace during this time and joy in the days to come remembering what an awesome husband/dad you had. I am sure your memories are wonderfully wild ~ as that's how we always saw him. Love the Jones Family, Jim, Robin, Austin & Dalton
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published a tribute .
So sorry to hear about Gary.
He was one of a kind and will be missed.
I bet he's smoking a joint with Marc somewhere in the universe
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published a tribute .
Dear Donna and family, I will so miss Gary after all these years. He was one of my first friends in Taos by installing one of those huge antennas at a rental for me and engaging in conversation that showed his unique personality. Later he was a client with the Taos News and forever my best person to visit with at the main post office. Sending you all love and prayers.
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published a tribute .
Donna and family, I am so very sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I knew him to be passionate about Life and causes dear to his heart, traits that are rare these days. I will miss our conversations, his views and infectious enthusiasm for the betterment of our community. My sincere condolences, he will be greatly missed.
published a comment .
Donna, family, friends both human and fur kids or other. He was one of the best, I will always remember him and his comfort during hard times at the shelter. He will never be forgotten and I was very sorry to see this posted on Carol's FB today. He will for sure be missed by all human and animals alike. Hugs, Jan
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published a tribute .
I'll miss talking music and politics with Gary. You were never in doubt where he stood! A man with a big heart.
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published a tribute .
Going to miss you El jefe! I will speak your name for the rest of my life, keeping your memory alive in my heart! Thank you for your friendship, passion, conversation, discussions, opinion on everything & your sense of humor.
All of my love to Donna, Ariel & Aleta!
published a comment .
Gary's community commitment will be sorely missed; he was always a bright light. A man who expressed great irony and always had humorous observations.
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published a tribute .
Gary you will be missed. Don and I will cherish the times we spent with you. Your laughter and positive attitude for life was contagious. We love you. Don and Lynne
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Donna and family, May fond memories fill your hearts with love and laughter. My thoughts are with you.
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published a tribute .
My condolences to Donna and family. Gary was a classic much loved Taoseno!
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