Lauren ‘Larry’ Bussey, 85, passed away on October 15, 2018 at his home in Salida, Colorado surrounded by his loving family. Larry was born in 1933 in Northport, Michigan, graduated from Northport High School and enlisted in the Navy. He served seven years of active duty in London, England and in Norfolk, Virginia on the USS Yosemite and USS R. L. Wilson and retired after an additional 17 years in the Naval Reserves.

Larry attended the University of Michigan and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Studies and English. He moved his family to Colorado Springs and began his career in education as a Social Studies teacher at South Junior High School.  He quickly advanced to an administrative position with School District 11 as Director of Special Projects and earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder.  Larry later served as Principal and Superintendent at Sierra Grande School in Blanca, CO.  He was honored to be instrumental in the construction of the computer wing and in developing technology programs for the school.  He served on the board for the Sierra Grande Scholarship Fund.  Larry was inducted into the Adams State University Educators Hall of Fame in 2014.

Larry married Eileen Rogers in 2000 and they moved to Salida to enjoy their retirement years in that small town atmosphere.  Together they developed multiple friendships and actively assisted in many community and regional projects.  They added travel, hiking, fishing and camping to their busy schedules.  Larry loved the outdoors and always looked forward to the annual Fall Bussey Boys Fishing Bash.  He was an avid reader who favored books related to airplanes, especially naval and air battles, and WWII history.

Larry was a member of the American Legion Post 64 in Salida.  He was a long time member of Trout Unlimited, serving as President of the San Luis Valley Chapter and as a State Regional Vice President.  As much as he loved fishing, his true passion was conservation.  Devoted to rebuilding and revitalizing several Colorado streams and rivers, Larry received the Bruce Hoagland award and an Outstanding Volunteer award from Colorado Trout Unlimited.

Larry is survived by his wife Eileen Rogers; his children Steve (Katherine Connors) Bussey of Littleton, CO; Duane (Lorelei) Bussey of Alamosa, CO; Laurie (Vern Van Dyne) Bussey of Canon City, CO; Paul (Wendy Dutton) Bussey of Phoenix, AZ; Christopher Bussey of Denver, CO; grandchildren Emily Bussey of Alamosa; Erica Bussey of Las Vegas, NV; Katlyn Bussey of Beverwijk, The Netherlands; Logan Gamble and Jacy Gamble, both of Grand Junction, CO; Eileen’s daughter Munni Rogers of Denver, CO and son Roberto (Laurine) Rogers of Colorado Springs, CO; Eileen’s grandchildren Ruben Rogers, Kelli Rogers, and Dylon Griest;  Larry’s brother Marlin Bussey of Omena, MI; sister Sharon (Robert) Wilcox of Grand Junction, CO; sister Jeannie (Gene) Cochran of Midland, MI; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held Nov 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension located at 349 E Street in Salida with a reception immediately following at the Salida Rotary Scout Hut in Riverside Park from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, suggestions for memorial contributions are as follows:  Mother Theresa House, 308 N. Walnut St., Lansing, MI 48933 (Mother Theresa House is a Christian hospice founded and managed by Larry’s niece, Karen Bussey);  Chaffee County Boys and Girls Club, P.O. Box 1430, Salida, CO 81201. On line condolences may be sent to the family at lewisandglenn.com.  Arrangements are with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.