The Last Stand
Larry J. Borden
1939 - 2007
It is with deep sadness that his family announces the passing of Larry J. Borden. He passed away peacefully at his home Nov. 6, 2007, surrounded by his loving family after a 4-year battle with ALS. He was 68.
Larry was born in Salina, Kan., to Nadine (Hilford) and Val C. Borden on Nov. 4, 1939. He graduated from Salina High School and then attended the University of Kansas where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
After graduating from the University of Kansas, Larry spent several years in Colorado Springs, where he served as controller for a construction company building homes at Peterson Air Force Base. After gaining valuable experience, Larry returned to the University of Kansas, where he received his master’s degree in business in 1968. Following his graduation, he returned to Colorado Springs, where he held senior leadership positions at Winslow BMW for 39 years, serving first as controller and later as executive vice president and general manager, the position he held until his death.
Larry married Nancy (Simpson) on Feb. 12, 1972. During a wonderful 35-year period of time, Nancy and Larry built a beautiful home and raised three wonderful children. In addition to his dedication to Nancy and the children, Larry volunteered in the community, serving on the Pikes Peak Library Board and serving as the president of both the Broadmoor Improvement Society and the Count Pourtales Association. Additionally, out of the love for his children and their passion for skiing, Larry served as president of the Rocky Mountain Division of the United Ski States Ski and Snowboard Association and was an active board member and donor to the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club.
His great love for the University of Kansas inspired him to serve as a dedicated volunteer and steward for the university. He served as president of the local KU Alumni Association. In recognition of his local KU advocacy, Larry received the Mildred Clodfelter Award in 1989. That same year, he began to assist the University on a national level, starting his first term on the National Alumni Association’s Board of Directors. Ultimately, Larry rose to become the national chair, a leadership role he held from 2004 to 2005.
In recognition of Larry’s unwavering dedication to the University, he received the Fred Ellsworth Medallion Award in 2006. At this time, Larry donated funds to complete a renovation and created The Borden Family Plaza, which now embodies the welcoming spirit that was Larry’s trademark.
Larry is survived by his wife Nancy; daughter Kathryn B. Heckman and her husband, Ryan, of Denver; son Mark L. Borden and his wife, Lonna, of Boulder; and daughter Kelly A. Borden of Denver. He is also survived by his sister Linda Lea Borden of Salina, Kansas; sister-in-law Eileen S. Mackey and her husband, Dr. Richard L. Mackey, and their children, Karen, Mary, Ruth and Brian; brother-in-law Richard W. Simpson III, his wife, Ann, and their daughters, Avery and Ellie.
The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to Dr. William Harvey and Dr. David Martz for their dedication and research to finding a cure for neurological diseases such as ALS. Their efforts extended the length and quality of Larry’s life by slowing down the disease process and provided hope at a time when he needed it the most. The family would also like to thank Pikes Peak Hospice for the loving care they gave Larry and the family in his last days.
Everyone will miss Larry’s smile, his marvelous wit and sense of humor and the attention to detail that he gave every aspect of his life. He led by example as a devoted husband, loving father and loyal friend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Larry’s memory to either the KU Endowment Association (P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044-0928) or the ALS Association (Development Department, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 150, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301).
A memorial service in Larry’s honor was held on Nov. 10, 2007, at St. Paul Catholic Church located on the west side of the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs.
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