Larry A. Blake died peacefully on October 8, 2025. Не was 89 years old.
Larry was born August 14, 1936, on a small family farm, a few miles south of Atlantic, Iowa. He spent his early years working on the farm, running through the corn fields, and attending class in a one-room schoolhouse, which he reached each morning via his pony (but only after morning chores were finished). Larry graduated from Atlantic High School in 1955, where he was a star athlete, particularly in football and basketball. Larry’s educational pursuits took him to Northwest Missouri State College, in Maryville, Missouri, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1959. Prior to graduation, Larry married Karon McCauley, who was also from Atlantic and a student at NWMSU.
After graduation, Larry and Karon moved to Aurora, Colorado, at the time, a small suburb east of Denver. They built a home and secured teaching positions with the Denver Public Schools. Their union resulted in two children: Neil Blake (1965) and Natalie Campbell (1968), both of whom are now attorneys in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Larry married Diane May on July 20, 2001. They spent the next 24 years traveling the world, spending summers with their grandchildren, and playing cards with friends. Their many travel destinations included Antarctica, Russia, France, Germany, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Costa Rica, Norway, Mexico, and Uruguay. Entirely to Diane’s credit, Larry a stubborn farm boy at heart – learned to love cats, even the indoor variety.
Larry enjoyed Colorado and being outside. He skied, fished, hunted, played golf, and camped as frequently as possible. He often said it was a privilege to live in a place like Colorado. He was a member of Park Hill United Methodist Church for more than 50 years.
Larry taught his children (and grandchildren) the importance of education, hard work, and the outdoors. He coached youth football for decades. He attended nearly every game and event in which Neil and Natalie participated. Larry attended Broncos games with a near religious fervor, which dated back to the early 1960’s, when the Broncos played at the original Denver Bears Stadium. When he wasn’t teaching. coaching, or attending athletic events, Larry spent weekends and late evening hours building (and rebuilding) race cars with his good friend and next-door neighbor. Larry was known for his fabulous garden, particularly his tomatoes.
Larry continued his education and earned a Master of Arts in Education (1963), along with various advanced certificates in public school administration. He eventually moved from the classroom to administration, where he served as an assistant principal at several Denver middle schools. A few years later, Larry was promoted to athletic director and served in that capacity for many years at George Washington and Manual High Schools. After his retirement, Larry continued to serve children and young adults in the community in many ways, including through volunteer work with Denver Kids.
Among the biggest loves in Larry’s life were his two grandchildren, Tiernan (1999) and Tara Blake (2001). His infectious smile and robust laugh were somehow even more engaging when the grandkids were in his presence.
Any commemoration of Larry’s extraordinary life would not be complete if it failed to reference his retirement nemesis the squirrel. He spent countless hours devising elaborate schemes and contraptions to keep them out of his backyard bird feeder. Although his efforts were something akin to an extended military project, he was, of course, successful. However, those close to Larry occasionally wondered if he wasn’t a bit disappointed by his own success. As was the case throughout his life, Larry relished the process of doing the work more than he did completing it.
Larry is survived by Diane, his children, grandchildren, and his sister Linda Pibarot of Paris, France. He was predeceased by his parents, Bruce and Violet Blake, and his brother, Bart Blake, who was a lifelong farmer in southwest Iowa.
Larry often ended visits and telephone calls with a short salutation. The one many of us will remember most, particularly now, is this one: “More power to you.”
A gathering to celebrate Larry is set for December 13, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Heritage House, 1200 Brookridge Cir., Atlantic, IA 50022. Food will be served and stories will be told. No donations or flowers are sought, donations to your favorite charity in Larry’s name is a lovely idea.
