A Colorado native, Commissioner Larry Lasha was born and raised in Florence, Colorado in Fremont County. He and his wife of 39 years, also his high school sweetheart, Dorothy, have two children: Chad (38) and Tandee (34). Larry is the proud grandfather of four grandchildren: Justin (16), Brittany (15), Haily (8), and Jacob (7). Larry loves the outdoors. Some of his hobbies include hunting, fishing, camping, golf, four-wheeling and motorcycling.
After graduating from Florence High School, Larry enrolled in the National Fire Academy to pursue his dream of being a firefighter. He then continued his education at Pikes Peak Community College, Midwest Business College and Colorado Christian University. Larry majored in Human Resource Management, Fire Science and Executive Fire Officer.
Prior to running for office, Larry served on several boards and commissions, including Pueblo Community College for three years and St. Thomas More Hospital for two years. His former jobs include fighting fires for 31 years in Colorado Springs, carpentry in his home town of Florence for four years and City Manager of Florence for four years.
When asked what prompted him to run for County Commissioner, Larry answered, “A desire for representation in District 2 and a belief that I could make a difference.” District 2 is mainly eastern Fremont County, consisting of “great, hardworking people,” as Larry puts it. Larry was elected to County Commissioner on November 4, 2002, “by two powerful votes,” Larry recalls. Larry is definitely a people person as his favorite element about being a county commissioner is the people he works with and his favorite aspect of Fremont County is the people residing in it.
As mentioned before, one of Larry's hobbies is motorcycles. Larry confessed that his most embarrassing moment was “being at a Harley shop with my Honda and it would not quit smoking!” However, after that incident, Larry didn't lose love for his 1975 Honda. When asked what he liked about himself he replied, “A full head of hair at 59!” The advice that has helped Larry the most in life is to “treat everyone with respect and dignity.”
- Written by René Tate
June 2004