Larry McIntyre, 78, passed away at his Fruita, Colo., home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, May 10, 2012, following his valiant battle with cancer. During his courageous fight, Larry kept a positive attitude and never lost his sense of humor, always responding with an "I don't know about that."
He has always been a pillar of strength to his family, setting many examples to follow.
Larry was born April 18, 1934, in Denver, Colo. He was adopted by Dan and Edith McIntyre of Hotchkiss, Colo. He spent his childhood in the North Fork Valley and on the Muddy. He graduated from Hotchkiss High School in 1953 where he was a star athlete, enjoying football, basketball and track. Following graduation, he attended CSU for one year prior to enlisting in the Army in 1954 where he served in the infantry. He was stationed in Germany for two years before returning to Hotchkiss to help his father with the ranch.
Larry has lived in the Grand Valley since 1956. He married Vergie McDaniel in 1964, and they made their home in Fruita, Colo., with summers spent on the Muddy near Ragged Mountain. They shared many years together before Vergie's passing in 2008.
Larry spent his life as a sheep rancher following a family tradition of four generations. He successfully owned and operated McIntyre Livestock Corporation, running approximately 5,000 head of sheep, wintering near the Colorado/Utah state line and spending summers on McClure Pass near Ragged Mountain. He took pride in his farming and livestock operation.
Fly fishing on the Clear Fork was one of his favorite pastimes. He also enjoyed hunting, hosting many lamb barbecues for friends on the Muddy and traveling to Las Vegas and Blackhawk for slot tournaments or a few hands of blackjack. Popping in to visit with friends was a daily event he treasured.
Larry was an active member of the Colorado Wool Growers Association, the Mesa County Wool Growers Association, the Masonic Lodge, the Moose Lodge and the Shriners.
Larry is survived by his children, Danny (Joellen) McIntyre of Fruita, Dana Worsham of California, and Michell (Andy) Schmidt of Ellensburg, Wash. He leaves his legacy to 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Edith McIntyre, his wife, Vergie, and his two loyal sidekicks, Judd and Mouse. Per his request, no services will be held. He was cremated and his wishes will be honored at a later date.
An open house will be held Wednesday, May 16, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 567 25 1/2 Road, Grand Junction. The family would like to invite anyone who has memories to share.
In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to make a donation in Larry's name may do so to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, 3090 North 12th Street, Suite B, Grand Junction, CO 81506.
Paid obituary
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