Barney Thomas Gaffney

Barney T. Gaffney of Canon City passed away peacefully on December 29, 2020. Barney was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife Gloria of Canon City; children Robin Gaffney (Roberta) of Naperville, Illinois; Greg Gaffney (Lorri) of Canon City/The Villages, Florida; Tim Gaffney (Beth) of Canon City; grandchildren Vinessa (Brian), Lauren (Shane), Tayler (Michael), Josh (Mandy) and Ginnie (Louie); and nine great-grandchildren.

Barney’s life began on July 29, 1929 in Electra, Texas as one of seven children born to John and Marie Gaffney. The family moved frequently before settling down in Denver where Barney graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School. He was involved in many activities and most proud of winning a state championship in boxing his junior year and finishing second as a senior.

At the age of 19 he began working in the mailroom of Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph in Denver. While there he met Gloria, who would be with him for the next 66 years. In his 38 years with the phone company, he served in numerous positions of increasing importance. He spent the majority of his career in Southern Colorado after getting transferred to Pueblo in 1965. A few years later he became manager of the Rocky Ford office. While there, he and Gloria owned a downtown clothing and gift shop. In 1972 he was promoted to manage Mountain Bell operations in Canon City. He eventually returned to Denver working in the security division for Colorado/Wyoming. In that role, he assisted the FBI, CBI and local law enforcement in cases involving wiretapping and other functions. He assisted the Denver Broncos with their phone system security needs and was offered a job by the NFL to do the same but turned it down due to the extensive travel requirements. Barney and Gloria moved to Pueblo West shortly after his retirement and he began a second career as a real estate broker. A final move took them back to Canon City in 2010.

 Barney was a leader in his community serving as President/Board Member of numerous civic organizations, car clubs and Chambers of Commerce in Canon City, Florence, Pueblo and Rocky Ford. He also spent time as a member of the Pueblo West Architectural Committee. He served his country as a proud member of the Naval Reserves.

Aside from cherishing time with his extended family, Barney had a lifelong passion for anything with at least two wheels and an engine. Over the years he bought, sold and restored a number of antique automobiles and motorcycles. He was never happier than when talking cars with his friends, working in his garage, watching racing or trying to find the next car to buy. Young at heart, he rode his Harley until the age of 82.

Barney’s personality led to many long-term friendships and he will be greatly missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

A private family service will be conducted with a Celebration of Life to be held when we can gather again as friends and family.

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