Gary Kenneth Traylor

Gary Kenneth Traylor

Devoted Friend, Brother, Father, and Grandfather Gary Kenneth Traylor was expected to die decades ago. Notwithstanding his doctors’ predictions, he clung tightly to mortality, replacing body parts as needed, and returned to his heavenly home on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at the age of 81 after a brief illness.

Gary was born on Friday, June 5, 1942, in the projects of Detroit, Michigan to Flossie [Arrington] & William Traylor. His birth was followed by that of his younger sister, Barbara. He served four years in the Air Force as a Morse Intercept Operator, visiting such exotic locales as Korea, the Philippines, Biloxi, and Denver. Through the GI Bill, Gary attended a handful of colleges before earning a degree in Physical Education from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Gary’s integrity and business sense were unparalleled, and he greatly enjoyed the close associations his work afforded him. Starting out at Meadowbrook Insurance in Michigan, he persevered in his field and founded Warrantech. He also served as senior executive at Virginia Surety, OwnerGUARD and Cross Marketing USA. Throughout the industry, Gary was best known for his strong ethics, intelligence, humor and concern for the success of his customers, suppliers and employees. His extensive experience spanned many business functions, but it was his strength in recognizing the value within people that built strong relationships with everyone with whom he worked.

While Gary didn’t have the best luck with marriage, he is survived by the beloved children, stepchildren, sons and daughters-in-law who resulted from those unions; Jeff, Cyndi [Larry Howard], Brad [Donna Farmer], Matthew [Alison Kindrachuk Traylor], Katherine [Jerrod Hinchman] and Shavonne [Marcus Muccino]. He likewise cherished his grandchildren, Heather, Katie, Rachel, Zach, Taylor, Cheyenne, Chloe, Rylee, Makenzie, Benjamin, Emilia, James, and Livia. He is also survived by his great-granddaughter; Siersha, his favorite sister, Barbara [Dave Lyijynen], and his nieces and nephews Laura [Michael Tapp], Chris, and Becky [Bryan Jacewicz].

An avid reader and music lover, Gary was always on the lookout for new authors and musical artists. He regularly attended sporting events, concerts, and theatrical performances with his family and friends, and he was just as delighted with a rendition of “Fiddler on the Roof” as he was with the touring version of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” He loved to run, and he ran competitively until both of his hips had to be replaced.

Gary’s family and friends will greatly miss his sense of humor, kindness, and non-judgmental acceptance of everyone exactly as they are. His various health struggles led him to live life to the fullest; every day he lived was an unexpected gift. Those of us who had the privilege of knowing him will honor his legacy by striving to be as compassionate, hardworking, loyal, and loving as he was.

Interment will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023; 1:00 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501.

Memorial Service will follow at Daniels Family Funerals Services – Sara Chapel, 4310 Sara Rd, Rio Rancho, at 4:00 p.m.

For those who are not able to attend the service, webcasting will be available via this link here: OneRoom - Viewer (oneroomstreaming.com)

If desired, flowers may be sent to Daniels Family Funeral Services, 4310 Sara Rd, Rio Rancho, 87124.

Alternatively, donations can be made in his honor to the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Affairs (https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/52238064/) or the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation (pkdcure.org).