Larry Joe Conrad, formerly of Harrisburg
HARRISBURG - Larry Joe Conrad, 75 years, 11 months, and 6 days, of Colorado Springs, formerly of Harrisburg, passed over from his earthly home to his once-again spiritual heavenly home on June 11, 2017. His crossing over was in a most profoundly conscious manner, peacefully, with his beloved wife's arm around him, holding his hand, on their much-lived-in Kona couch, with their beautiful daughter also present, holding the sacred space for him to depart.
LJ was an avid white-water rafting guide for many years on the Arkansas River, so it was no surprise that he would leave this hard working, loved body in a fully upright, seated position as if he were manning the oars on his river raft, ready to shove off. A truly awesome, precious leaving.
He was a hot spring business owner for the past 31 years and is loved and respected by his members, nonmembers and employees alike. LJ's cheerful, kind and compassionate, but no-nonsense, nature was appreciated by all. His integrity to his word was respected by anyone who knew him. This "Master of the Ease" had a great sense of fun and adventure fully embraced by his beloved river family, friends, belly button family and acquired family, all the same.
LJ was a soul who knew himself well and stayed true to himself throughout his life, whether on the river (any river); building and running his business; traveling on adventures; living in the desert, at the ocean, or in the foothills of the mountains. He was a man who adapted, loved nature and the natural world and lived by a simple rule: "If it doesn't feel right, don't do it."
In the words of his wife, Roselia, "I'm sure happy that it felt right to marry me, the love of his life, because he surely was, and always will be, the love of mine. He touched my life and so many hundreds, if not thousands, of lives at the hot spring in ways we could never have anticipated or planned. His only wish - to share the healing and soothing hot waters coming from Mother Earth with anyone who found their way to our little oasis in the high plateau desert."
Born in Harrisburg during World War II, LJ was raised in Dorris Heights with a big, wonderful extended family of grandparents, devoted parents, wild and wonderful cousins, nieces, aunts and uncles. He first met his father at age 4, when his Navy dad returned from the war in the Pacific. He had a happy, interesting and amusing childhood in southern Illinois, full of "cool boy" stories.
Larry briefly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era before his unit was inactivated, and he was honorably discharged. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Murray State College. He was the first in his family to earn a college education. He went on to work and live in Oklahoma City; Cotopaxi, Penrose and Fremont County, Colorado; and Pahoa, Waianae and Kailua Kona, Hawaii, until his final return to Colorado Springs.
His wild card in life was meeting (at age 57), loving and marrying (at age 60) his surviving beloved wife, Roselia "Ro." (What a surprise for both of them!) He is also survived by two adult stepchildren, Maria (Rob) and Matt; three stepgranddaughters, Megan, Aspen and Madison; two bonus stepgrandsons, Matt and JJ; cousin, Carole (John), who he grew up with; two nieces, Rita (Ed) and Nyla, who he also grew up with, and their families.
Other survivors include his beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog, Nani; and his wildly wonderful lovebird, Puiwa.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, James "Bussie" and Pearl (Trammel) Conrad; half sister, Pearl Mae Ogelsby; and niece, Pam.
Services were June 16 at his beloved hot spring with the U.S. Army military honor guard and Eddie Three Eagles, chaplain, officiating for the ceremony and celebration of life.
The family is deeply indebted to the loving, dedicated and caring staff of Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care.