Larry-John-McDonell

LARRY JOHN MCDONELL

I'm not sure what years Larry was with us in Vietnam, but pretty sure he was there in 1970-1971. He was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin and lived in Colorado Springs, CO. Sadly he passed.

PHOTOS

Larry McDonell & Larry Hunter

OBITUARY

Born in Chippewa Falls , Wisconsin , and a long time Colorado Springs resident, Larry had climbed all of Colorado’s fourteeners, and was working his way up the state’s dozens of thirteen thousand foot peaks. As a very young man, Larry served his country in Viet Nam as a E-6 staff sergeant and received a bronze star and a purple heart.

A Qwest technician, who once earned a living as a lead rock and jazz guitarist, Larry and his wife Janet lived in Hollywood , and Pasadena , California for five years before coming to Colorado . It was the mountains that drew Larry to this state. Larry pursued his love of the outdoors through camping, hiking, ice climbing, rock climbing, telemark skiing, and snowshoeing.

Larry loved his home, and was passionate about home improvement projects. Larry’s commitment to excellence was reflected in all his work -- at home, in his hobbies, and in his careers. He leaves behind his wife of almost 35 years, Janet. She will miss his love and tenderness toward her, his companionship, his sense of humor, and his level head in times of crisis. His matter of fact approach to problem solving earned him the name “Logical Larry”. Jan says that, for the rest of her life, the beauty of nature around her will always remind her of Larry.

Larry was the very proud father of Angel and Joy, as they emulated their father’s work ethic in their school work and careers. He will be deeply missed by his daughters and grandson. Joy says she always has, and always will, strive to be like her father in every way, because he was an incredible man. Angel says her strength comes from her father’s strength. Johnny was Larry’s camping, skiing, and Star Wars light saber buddy. Larry would put on his jazz music and dance with his grandson, and was teaching him to play the guitar.

Larry is also survived by his father and mother in law, Duane and Ila Lue Books, of Wisconsin ; Janet’s sister Kathy Shiffer and her husband Loyd, of Virginia; and several nephews and nieces. Joy’s dog Lucy, an eager participant in his outdoor activities, adored Larry, and took one last hike with him the day he passed.