Gary Evan Michael Galyardt

Gary E. M. Galyardt, of Rapid City, passed away on Thursday, June 23, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Gary was born in Hays, Kansas on September 10, 1934. His parents were Bernard and Arpha Galyardt.

He grew up in Russell, Kansas and graduated from high school in 1952. He attended Kansas State University graduating in 1957 with a Bachelors Degree in Architecture. He served his country in the Kansas Army Reserves for six years was honorably discharged.

Gary and Sharon Lindsley were united in marriage on July 4, 1958 in Russell, Kansas. To this union, two daughters were born. Diana "Shele" Galyardt Rede and Tonya Galyardt Farnsworth.

While Gary was active in the Rapid City Elks Lodge where he met his second wife, Mary Lou Vidal. They were married July 12, 1974. Mary Lou passed away after 33 years of marriage in 2007.

Gary came to Rapid City, SD in 1959 to join the firm of Kirkham, Michael & Associates as their chief architect. He was one of the founders of Bell, Galyardt & Associates. He served as Vice President and later as President and CEO of that firm and its successor, Galyardt Associates, Inc. He continued to serve in that role with the new firm – Galyardt Architects, Inc.

He was also very active through the years in a variety of community and state affairs. Some of his roles included: Past Exalted Ruler Elks Lodge #1187; President Construction Industry Center; President Penjahame Boy Scout District; Black Hills Area Council Member-Boy Scouts of America; President Arrowhead Country Club; President South Dakota AIA; and past member of the Rapid City Commerce Military Affairs and Economic Development Committees; a member of South Dakota Governor's Capitol Restoration and Beautification Commission, and is a member of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial Society.

Gary is survived by his daughters, Diana "Shele" Rede (Raymond) of Tuscon, Arizona and Tonya Farnsworth (Robert) Wyoming. Stepchildren L.C. Mike Vidal (Terri) Rapid City, Pat Vidal (Karen) Rapid City, Chyree Hamiel (Wade) Reliance, Cheryl Vidal, Rapid City, 12 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Christian Funeral Mass will be offered at 10 a. m. on Monday, July 18, at Blessed Sacrament Church.

Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Rapid City.