Gordon Ware Cowden was 51 when he was killed during the mass shooting at a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado, on July 20, 2012. He had taken his two teenage daughters to the premiere; they escaped physically unharmed. In the chaos, Cowden reportedly shouted words of love to his daughters while trying to get them to safety.

A resident of Aurora, Cowden worked as a real estate appraiser and owned his own business. Born in Waco, Texas, his family described him as a true Texas gentleman with a great sense of humor, strong faith, a love of the outdoors, and deep devotion to his children.

The shooter was identified as James Eagan Holmes, then 24, who entered the theater in tactical gear, deployed tear gas canisters, and opened fire. He was arrested outside the theater and later charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder; at trial the defense argued severe mental illness and a jury sentenced him to life in prison without parole.

Did anyone who knew Gordon or his family attend that screening or have memories to share about him?