He will be Greatly missed
In Tribute to Gary Conover Treasurer and Board of Directors of the HistoricPreservation Alliance of Colorado Springs.
The Historic Preservation Alliance of Colorado Springs honors the memory of our dear friend and colleague, Gary Conover, whose legacy of generosity, kindness, and steadfast leadership enriched our organization and our community in countless ways.
As Treasurer of the HPA Board, Gary brought clarity, organization, and integrity to his service. His thoughtful leadership grounded our work, ensuring we were guided by sound stewardship policies. A Colorado Springs native, Gary carried a genuine love for history, architecture, archaeology, and community. Together with his beloved wife, Sally, he generously opened their beautiful home for board meetings—graciously sharing it as both a welcoming gathering place and as an elegant backdrop for HPA video projects.
Gary’s enthusiasm for Colorado Springs’ heritage was unmatched. He championed the preservation of Van Briggle pottery as an essential part of our city’s cultural legacy. An avid collector, his remarkable Van Briggle collection spanned designs, glazes, and eras from the early 1900s to the early 2000s. Gary proudly donated rare Van Briggle art pottery to the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, ensuring that future generations could enjoy and learn from this heritage. His deep commitment to preservation and stewardship was recognized in 2023 when he received the Excellence in Conservation and Service Award from the Palmer Land Conservancy.
His generosity extended far beyond HPA. Gary and Sally were long-time champions of the arts, giving generously to strengthen the institutions that enrich life in the Pikes Peak region. They were dedicated members of the Fine Arts Center, patrons of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, and enthusiastic supporters of artists and cultural organizations throughout the community. Their love of music, art, and culture reflected a shared belief that the arts are vital to a thriving and compassionate city.
Gary’s life was deeply rooted in education and enterprise. A proud graduate of Fountain Valley School, he also studied at the Bemis School of Art. Professionally, he was the founder and owner of Conover Realty and Investment Company, with headquarters in the Conover Building in downtown Colorado Springs—an enduring symbol of his dedication to the vitality of our city.
Beyond his professional and civic commitments, Gary found joy in traveling with Sally, especially throughout the Southwest and Europe, and in his favorite pastime—birdwatching. His curiosity, generosity, and passion for learning never waned; they infused everything he did and inspired everyone he knew.
We are profoundly grateful for the wisdom, warmth, and spirit that Gary shared so freely. His generosity to the arts, his devotion to historic preservation, and his love of community will remain a guiding light for the Historic Preservation Alliance and for all who were blessed to know him.
