Galen Merwin Espinosa

Galen Merwin Espinosa passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Aurora, Colorado, after a courageous battle with cancer that began in 2016. He was 89 years old.

Born on February 11, 1936, in Vancouver, Washington, Galen was the son of Joe M. Espinosa and Gyra Chapman Espinosa. He grew up alongside his brother Douglas and sister Verna, both of whom preceded him in death.

Galen’s life was marked by service, dedication, and a deep love for his family. He served in the Air National Guard from 1953 to 1955 before being inducted into the U.S. Army in 1956. Stationed in Tokyo, Japan, he completed his military service with an Honorable Discharge in 1958.

Following his military service, Galen pursued higher education at the University of Portland in Oregon, where he earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Business Administration by 1962. He remained at the university for two years as an alumni administrator before embarking on a long and distinguished career in the optical industry.

From 1964 to 2007, Galen built a remarkable legacy in the optical field. He developed two laboratories for manufacturing contact lenses, owned an optical store, and earned the prestigious title of Fellow from the Contact Lens Society of America. As an ophthalmic technician and optician at Century City Eye Medical Center in Beverly Hills, California, he had the unique opportunity to work with ophthalmologists fitting contact lenses for notable figures such as Julie Andrews, Miles Davis, Reba McEntire, members of the rock band Poison, George Michael, and many others—a highlight he often described as one of the thrills of his life.

Outside of work, Galen had a passion for sailing and golf. He sailed on the Columbia River, San Francisco Bay, and along the Southern California coast. In 2005, he participated in the Newport to Ensenada Race—an experience that brought him great joy. An avid golfer as well, Galen played regularly in Southern California and later at Heritage Eagle Bend Club in Colorado. He celebrated two holes-in-one during his golfing years—one in California and another at HEB—and continued playing with the South Suburban Men’s Club until his final year.

In retirement, Galen and his beloved wife Mary Lou moved to Colorado in 2007 to be closer to their son Joe. They shared 54 wonderful years together filled with love and companionship. Galen found community through service with the Centennial Airport Lions Club, where he received the Melvin Jones Fellow award from Lions Clubs International Foundation for humanitarian services. He contributed actively by collecting eyeglasses and sharing his optical expertise with fellow members.

A devoted Roman Catholic throughout his life, Galen joined the Knights of Columbus at St. Anne’s in Seal Beach, California in 1998 where he received his third degree. He continued his spiritual journey as a Knight at Ave Maria Catholic Church in Parker, Colorado.

Galen is survived by his loving wife Mary Lou Espinosa; his son Joe M. Espinosa; daughter-in-law Rachel Keith Espinosa, grandson Jamey Espinosa and nieces, Mariness, Dina, Michelle, Maura, Krista, Susie and nephews, Dennis, David and Michael His family was central to his life—he cherished raising his son and treasured every moment spent together with Mary Lou through life’s many milestones.

A Funeral Mass will be held to honor Galen’s life on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Ave Maria Catholic Church in Parker, Colorado. The rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Centennial Airport Lions Club

7800 S. Peoria St., Box G-5

Englewood, CO 80112

**Please note “In memory of Galen Espinosa” in the memo area for donations.

May Galen’s memory and legacy of faith continue to bring comfort to those who knew and loved him.