Gaylen Murray Regan

It is with heavy hearts that we say farewell to our loving Father, Gaylen M. Regan. Gaylen passed quickly on the morning of May 8th after a courageous battle with ALS for the last year. We are all grateful that his suffering has come to an end and he has found solace in Heaven. Our dad used to joke, "I did a good job being a dad, y'all all turned out alright!' He did more than a good job; he was an amazing father full of love and compassion. His gentle and quiet demeanor was a silent inspiration for us all.  Gaylen led by actions more than words. He was an amazing husband, and his deep love for Kathleen only grew as time went on. Gaylen and Kathleen spent most of the last few years cuddling on the front porch like two love struck teenagers. Our father was an amazing artist and a Finish Carpenter. The work that he did was always above and beyond with details and intricacies that are a marvel to see. To say our dad was a 'Carpenter' doesn't really do justice for the artful and inspired work that he made. Gaylen had a strong passion for music and was an accomplished Guitarist and Mandolin player, which he played daily. When he was younger, he had a hobby of leather work, and stained glass which he would sell at weekend markets to make side money; these crafts too were intricate and inspired. Gaylen was passionate about the outdoors, and had a deep love for nature. He has always kept a large garden, and we all grew up eating the wonderful crops that he grew. There were also always plenty of animals running around; several dogs, cats, goats, chickens and we even had a horse for a while. Gaylen’s dream was always to have a large property and to live off the land. In 1991, he fulfilled his dream and bought a large parcel of land and built his dream house by hand from the ground up. It's such a beautiful place and a testament to his vision, passion, and hard work. His work ethic was unfaltering; Gaylen and Kathleen both worked very hard for most of their lives. They raised their children out of an impoverished inner city neighborhood to a place in the country with great schools and better opportunities. Each of Gaylen’s kids has grown into their own successes because of this work ethic that he instilled into them. He was a silent spiritual man. For as long as we can remember, Gaylen and Kathleen were seeking a spiritual path. They were headstrong hippies with open hearts and minds. When they were younger, they explored many paths of religion and doctrines, always seeking. We spent every Sunday morning at church, followed by lunch at Gramma's House. Gaylen spent many years as a member of Wells Methodist Church in Jackson before finding his Church Home at the Pointe in Brandon. Gaylen was very passionate about his church family. We are all extremely proud of our father and he was such a huge influence on our family. We all owe so much of who we are to this gentle, loving man. We know with certainty that he is now at peace with a new body in the Kingdom of Heaven! We love you so much Dad. 

Gaylen is survived by his loving wife Kathleen, His children, Dylan Regan, Jason and Angie Regan, Johanna and Chris Williams and Joseph Regan and his six grandchildren, Olivia Regan, Jay Regan, Ayden Williams, Miles Williams, Tate Regan and Lyla Kate Williams. 

A memorial service will be held at The Pointe Church in Brandon on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be from 12:30 pm until the time of the service.