Charles Lawrence Russell King

Charles Lawrence (Larry) King, 73, of Fort Collins, CO passed away on February 16 during a scheduled surgery to try to repair some extensive damage to his heart - one we all know was big enough to move mountains and had endured more than most. He is no doubt, back in cahoots with his partner in mischief, Barb, who has been eagerly waiting for him since her passing in 2021. Anyone who knew the two of them knows that she greeted him with a sarcastic remark (and probably a martini). We can picture his brilliant smile and the twinkle in his baby blue eyes, now lighting up the night sky. Charles, or Lawrence, or Larry, depending on the day, was anything but ordinary - much like the adventures and life he embraced. Born on July 14, 1950 in Washington, DC. He had a humble childhood and was from a small family, with one sister and parents, who all preceded him in death. Larry was no stranger to getting into mischief in dim lit alleys and dusty side streets and his sly sense of humor blossomed early. His first car was an ambulance that wouldn’t pass the safety inspection but still had the functioning lights and logos. He told stories of people pulling over for them as a new driver, while he and his friends would howl in laughter as they drove all over the streets of D.C. Larry moved to Colorado right after high school and got a teaching degree from Metro and a Master’s Degree from UNC in Greeley. Never one to meet a stranger, he made friends everywhere he went. His open, warm and caring personality was one that left a lasting imprint on so many. Larry had a wonderful sense of wit and loved to laugh – if you got him going, you couldn’t stop him. His smile and charm were truly infectious. Professionally, Larry held many roles over the years. From working night shifts at Ideal Cement Plant to his time at Anheuser Busch. He dedicated nearly three decades to teaching elementary school in Australia and Fort Collins at both Bauder and Johnson Elementary schools before taking on a ‘retirement’ gig as a Transfort bus driver, where he also occasionally drove the downtown trolly. His social nature keeping him plugged in to the pulse of the community and we know, making folks smile and laugh along the way every day. Post-retirement, Larry became heavily involved in civic and community service and became the unofficial mayor of the Elk’s lodge, where he held multiple leadership roles including serving as Exalted Ruler in 2016. He enjoyed many hours of camaraderie with the friends he made there. But it was his family and friends (and his beloved dogs) for whom he lived. Always willing to pick up the phone when someone called, he would drop everything to help those in need. Whether it was his family or friends, or someone just down on their luck, Larry was ready with a meal, a hand, a ride, an ear. He always acted with generosity and humility and that spirit deeply impacted so many – it was one of the most endearing things about him. Larry adored his kids and grandkids and is survived by children Jaime (Brian Sense), Jeff, Andrea and Davis and grandsons Ben (10), Colden (6) and Jackson (6mo). A Celebration of Larry’s Life will be held at The Elks Lodge at 1424 E. Mulberry St. on March 2nd from 11am-2pm. A short honorary Elks-led service will begin promptly at 11am with time for reflection and stories and a reception and refreshments to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the NoCo Humane Society.

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Charles Lawrence Russell King

July 14, 1950 - February 16, 2024