On April 19, 2017, Gary Rulond Lords, age 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Idaho Falls, Idaho.  Gary, the oldest of five siblings, was born on January 23, 1935, to Rulond P. and Elda Julia (Watson) Lords.  He lived in Roberts, Idaho, until the age of 8 when his family moved to Shelley, Idaho, where Gary attended elementary school and graduated from high school in 1953.  At an early age, Gary showed a great aptitude for music and played numerous instruments throughout his life, although he was best known for playing the saxophone for dance bands and local orchestras.  To his family, however, his piano playing by ear will be sadly missed.  At age 16, Gary earned a private pilot's license and flew taildraggers with a close friend, the two of them being the youngest pilots in Idaho.  Gary attended Ricks College for a short time studying art and agricultural science.

In 1955, Gary married the love of his life, Ruth (Mangum) in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.  He has been an active member of LDS Church, serving in numerous positions throughout his life. Gary and Ruth made their home in Idaho Falls and had four wonderful children.  Gary worked for Smith Hart Co. for a short time and then at the Idaho National Laboratory, 11 years as a printer and 26 years as a graphic artist.  He retired in 1995, but continued to pursue his love of art all his life.  Gary is well known for his watercolors depicting the beauty of Eastern Idaho and surrounding area.  He has been an active member of the Eagle Rock Art Guild since 1971.  Gary's watercolors were shown in numerous art galleries in the West, including Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Taos, New Mexico.  Gary loved art, music, working on his collection of 1940-60 Chevy vehicles, and, most of all, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Gary is survived by his wife, Ruth, of Idaho Falls, Idaho; son, Michael (Terri), of Pocatello, Idaho; daughter, Kathy (Michael) Curnutt, of Shelley, Idaho; son, Craig (DeAnne Casperson), of Idaho Falls, Idaho; son, Scott (Carrie), of Ammon, Idaho; six grandchildren (Christina, Whitney, Allie, Marissa, Rebecca, and Clayton); his sister, Verla (Boyd) Jolley, of Firth, Idaho.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and three of his siblings, Blair, Karen (Hardy), and Dennis.

Gary will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 24, 2017, at the Taylor Mountain LDS Stake Center, 260 Castlerock Lane, Idaho Falls.  The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Sunday, April 23, 2017, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. in Idaho Falls, and one hour prior to the service at the Chapel.  Interment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Shelley, Idaho.  Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com.