Larry Lee Britton, a long time resident of Western Colorado, passed away on January 31, 2024 at the age of 79 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.  

 

Larry was born July 8, 1944, in Frederick, Oklahoma.  After graduating from Frederick High School, Larry had the fortunate opportunity to join a friend’s graduation trip to Colorado.  Larry instantly fell in love with the mountains and vowed he would return.  After completing vocational/technical school and honorably serving in the US Army during the Vietnam war era, Larry moved to Colorado eventually settling in the Plateau Valley in Western Colorado and lived a lifetime of outdoor exploration and adventure.

 

Larry was an entrepreneur starting a successful automotive and diesel service business as well as operating a successful  guide and outfitting business for many years with his business partner and good friend, Ben Nichols.  Larry eventually joined the staff at Plateau Valley Schools and spent nearly 20 years responsible for district transportation and facilities while also teaching high school automotive classes.  Larry often shared fond memories of helping students develop their “votech” skills knowing it was an excellent alternative to traditional college for many students after high school.  

 

Larry lived a life  in motion.  He rarely sat still.  Larry spent most of his free time outdoors either working in his shop, out in the fields fixing equipment, or in the mountains hunting, fishing, camping, or as he would say “pretending to be a cowboy” helping local ranchers.  Larry  was intrigued with the history of early exploration by mountain men as well as Native American cultures.  Larry’s passion for outdoor adventure and exploration culminated in the adventure of a lifetime when he lived in a small Alaskan village for two years soaking in the local culture and experiencing what he felt was an authentic outdoor life.

 

Larry will be missed dearly by family and friends.  Larry was a devoted father to his sons working multiple jobs most of his adult life to insure they had opportunities he did not experience.  Larry spent countless hours supporting his sons because helping them grow as individuals, overcome challenges, and take advantage of opportunities meant more to him than anything.  He was quick to help others fix just about anything mechanical and he truly enjoyed leading outdoor adventures for friends and family whether it was camping, fishing, or exploring the outdoors on ATVs and motorcycles.  It seemed like most outings resulted in a warm fire and a quiet time of reflection to enjoy the beauty of the mountains.

 

Larry is preceded in death by his Father (Everett Loys Britton), his Mother (Vesta Lee Wylee), and his Brother (Everett Eugene Britton).  Larry is survived by his sister (Joyce Clift), his two sons (Larry Britton II and Jeremy Britton), his three grandchildren (Addison Duarte, Rilee Britton, Larry Britton III), and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

A memorial service will be held for Larry Britton at 10:00 AM, Saturday February 24th at Molina Baptist Church in Molina, CO.   In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mental Health Colorado at https://www.mentalhealthcolorado.org/donate/