Leon ''Lee'' Larrabee

LeeLeon Leroy Larrabee, 83, of Fort Collins, died Friday, April 10, 2009 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Sisseton, S.D., on January 1, 1926, to Howard and Lucy Cooper Larrabee. He married Velma Casey Swearengin November 3, 1945, shortly after his discharge from the U.S. Navy, having served in World War II on the submarine U.S.S. Besugo in the South Pacific Theatre. Lee was a store manager for Sears & Roebuck throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota. He left Sears after fourteen years and purchased Blackmarr's Furniture in Boulder, Colo. in 1962. He went on to co-found Larrabee's Furniture in Ft. Collins in 1974. Lee retired in 1991, but continued to sell furniture for Patio & Dining Lifestyles, an off-shoot of Larrabee's Furniture, up until a few months prior to his death, simply because he loved interacting with people. Lee reveled in telling jokes and stories, enjoyed boating, gardening, fishing and hunting, and cherished family gatherings most of all. Over the years his many acts of generosity and service, at home and in the community, profoundly enhanced the lives of all who encountered him. Lee is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Casey; his son ScottCarolyn; his daughter Nancy Hicks, Gary Nelson; and his four grandchildren, Heather, Matt, and Erin Larrabee and Kevin Hicks; He is also survived by his two sisters, Mary Lou Mills, Brookings, S. D., and Marge Barr, Sioux Falls, S. D.,; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He will be missed, and his love will live on in the many lives he has touched. A memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, 2009, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 2000 Stover. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lee's name to: Poudre Valley Hospital Foundation- Nursing Program, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, or a charity of your choice in c/o Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Fort Collins, CO 80524.