In the wee hours of the morning, March 12, 2018, the Lord called home His faithful servant, Larry Fisher. Larry left this earthly world to join his heavenly Father.
Larry Howard Fisher was born Feb. 10, 1947, in Cheyenne, Wyo., to parents Wesley and Roberta Fisher. While growing up, he lived in Palo Alto, Calif.; St. Paul, Minn.; Richfield, Minn.; and Prospect Heights, Ill.
He finally found his way to Aspen, Colo., where he took a job as a supervisor at Aspen Highlands as well as a freestyle aerialist. In Aspen he met the love of his life, Susan “Susie” Butler, and they were wed on March 22, 1975.
In 1980 they moved Pagosa Springs, Colo., where Larry took the position as Ski School Director at Wolf Creek Ski Area. In 1985, Larry and Susie adopted their sons, Casey and Tracy. In December of that same year, they opened Ski and Bow Rack. In 1988, they adopted their daughter, Brittany. Larry was a beloved father and always worked hard for his family. Once his grandchildren (correction, his children’s kids … he always said wasn’t old enough to be a grandpa) came along, he cherished every moment he spent with them, often saying, “If I knew grandchildren were so much fun, I’d have had them first!” For the past 38 years, Larry has been a pillar in the community and has impacted the lives of so many from Pagosa and across the United States.
Words fall short in capturing Larry’s essence. He has been described by so many as a dreamer, adventurer, leader, helper, friend, disciple, deep listener and great conversationalist. He was one of our town’s best storytellers — always quick to share a memory or experience to delight and encourage. He was a devout man of faith who showed generosity, and kindness, offering a helping hand and jobs to anyone in need. Larry had a huge and gentle heart.
Larry was an avid skier, hunter and outdoorsman. These passions became the foundation of the Ski and Bow Rack, built upon the cornerstone of serving and investing in others, loving people as Jesus would. He was a father figure to many, with an unmatched sense of community. He genuinely appreciated every soul that stepped foot in his business, evidenced by the loyal generations of families that have continued to support his shop over the decades.
Whether he played foot-guru, fitting half the town with custom orthotic insoles; teacher, giving a detailed lectures on sunscreen, ski boots, or hunting and skiing techniques; homemade ice-cream wizard, always asking for input on a clearly flawless recipe; dedicated runner/shuffler; or three-time Colorado State Senior Olympics champion in the pole vault and high jump, Larry never ceased to amaze us and touch our lives in new and creative ways.
Larry is preceded in death by his wife, Susie Fisher. He is survived by his children, Casey (Sarah) Fisher, Tracy (Michelle) Fisher, and Brittany (Robert) Bedtke; his grandchildren, Trent, Peyton, Eden, Avalon, and Susanna; and his sister, Carol (Val) Petersons, his nephew, Bruno (Jolyn) Petersons, along with many other nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by many friends, employees and all his customers — for if you knew Larry, you were family. Larry will be remembered and thought of fondly and often. His kind words and generous works that touched so many in our community and beyond, will never be forgotten.
But really, Larry’s address has simply changed. For he now and forever will reside in the presence and glory of the Lord. As Jesus said in John 11:25, “Whoever believes in me though he die, yet shall he live.”
