Condolence: Gary: You made quite an impression on me when I moved to Monte in 11th grade. While none of the morning or on-field practices were what I would call fun, they certainly paid off in parades and competitions. Hearing some of your entertaining comments when you walked beside me on parades was priceless. You exemplified commitment to perfection thru practice. You definitely had an impact on me, and will be missed.

Condolence: Gary, Thanks for the memories. Didn't love early marching practice, but Friday Night Lights and the band trips were great. Wonderful teacher, cool guy. RIP.

Condolence: You taught or tried to teach everyone not just the notes on the page, but respect for others and yourself, how to listen, responsibility, team attitude, a desire to be better and succeed , and pride in your work. You were quick to point out mistakes and never, that I can remember, praised anyone for a job well done, but I knew that when I did do it right, there was a sly smile or a nod that you would direct my way. I got a few of those, and I'll never forget them. Although you demanded perfection, you knew there was no such thing. But you pushed us to try for it anyway. And there were times when we almost got there. Sadly, kids don't see that type of teacher very often anymore. You were a huge influence in my early teen years....I strived to please you...and I know I became a better person because of it....Thanks Gary

Condolence: Band was a blast with Mr. Gaston! I remember well one occasion when he passed out a piece of music, and after we played it through once, he scowled and said "That's not worth the paper it's written on" and had us hand it back in. He wasn't going to give us mediocre music to play! A class act. RIP. Great to see so many of my classmates paying him tribute!

Condolence: Thank you for being one of the most memorable influences in my life. You taught me how to always strive for excellence in all areas of my life.

Condolence: Mr. Gaston's legacy will live on within each one of us as we remember and pass on our stories of him as being that unique teacher, band director, and friend.

Condolence: Mr. Gaston, Thank you for allowing your "kids" to dream big and for challenging us to be the best we could be. I will always think of you on August 15th...your birthday and mine. You, our teacher, always thought we were the best...so we were.

Condolence: Deepest Sympathy

Condolence: We will be unable to attend the October 26th celebration of Gary's life, but know you'll be in our prayers. Saw this on Facebook and wanted to share as it's appropriate for the gifts band gave our 5 children.

Condolence: Mr.Gaston, You were a great teacher. We were such a great band because of you. You touched our lives even if we didn't see it at the time. You will be missed.Daisy

Condolence: Gary was a legend and mentor to me. I loved him and all his passion for making each of us see what we could accomplish with hard work and dedication! I became a coach with those same principles he instilled in me! Thank you Gary for believing in us all and taking us further than we could have imagined!!!

Condolence: Of all the great teachers I had at Monte Vista, Gary had the biggest impact on my life. It is rare to have one teacher in a student's life from the 4th grade through high school. I think back fondly on those times in his class with Mr. Gaston yelling at the band when we would stink it up on occasion. Gary had a lot of passion for music and teaching his students to be their best. We were all very lucky to have him in our lives.

Condolence: Mr. Gaston, I will never forget the impact you had on my life. It was an honor to be part of your bands (marching, concert, and jazz). You were truly a teacher and mentor who made a difference in my life. RIP my friend

Condolence:

Condolence: Gary, you turned a BUNCH of lids from being in band class to being in a first class band. We all owe you more than we ever said, from how to accept criticism and direction to thinking for ourselves and not accepting mediocrity. You, sir, were one of a kind and it was a pleasure to know you.

Condolence: My career as band director at Englewood High School paralleled Gary's career at Monte Vista. We met at CMEA, CBA, events, and other functions every year, all those years. As Director of Entertainment for the Denver Broncos, I was the person responsible for inviting the Monte Vista Band to perform at one of our games during the 1981 season. Gary was a wonderful person and good friend. He will be missed.

Condolence: Mr. Gaston will always be remembered in my heart and every time I go to work continuing to support the Music Program I am involved in San Diego! I enjoyed playing with you in the SLV Big Band and all the summer music camps we attended together! I will carry on in the spirit you have left me with! Thank you Gary!

Condolence:

Condolence: Mr. Gaston, Rest in peace! Our prayers for your family. Thank you for all you did for our school. Showing young people how to be proud of their music and being responsible in making their band great. My kids were taught by you and we're proud to be a part of the best band in the state.

Condolence: A great man with lots of heart

Condolence: Thank You Mr.Gaston, for everything you did...I didn't have you as a teacher, but thank you for coming to eat at the Senior Center in Monte Vista, it was a pleasure having you come in and eat everyday, you will surely be missed not just by me but by all my Co-Workers, when you would not come one day, we would be like Mr. Gaston didn't Come today,I hope he's alright...Thank You once again and, R.I.P.

Condolence: Thank you Gary for all you gave to all of us! You will always be in our hearts, and our music!

Condolence: Mr.Gaston I never took band but I always remember you leading great music..May you RIP..