Donald “Don” Franklin LaForge, 89, of Cimarron, Colorado, passed away on August 26, 2020 at home in the cabin he built in the mountains above Montrose, Colorado, after battling cancer and Parkinson’s Disease. Family members and good friends were with him as he went.
Don was born to parents Kenneth and Thelma LaForge on September 19, 1930 in Vassar, Michigan. After graduating from Rochester High School in Rochester, Michigan, he decided to stay with his job at a foundry which was being relocated to New Mexico. At that time, he was with his high school sweetheart, Alice Elaine Stephens, so the boss told him, “Marry that girl and come out West!” And he did! So they began their married life and started raising a family in 1949 in a little house in Espanola, New Mexico. They moved around a lot, and Don ended up realizing he had a talent for auto mechanics, so he went to school for that, and spent his life fixing cars and trucks. And yes, he definitely had a talent for it!! They lived in Panaca, Nevada from 1963 to 1990, where they finished raising their family. After his retirement from the Nevada Test Site, they moved to Cimarron, Colorado, where they began building their dream cabin at the Arrowhead Ranch in the mountains above Montrose. They were together for 62 years when
Elaine died in 2011 after suffering several years with Alzheimer’s.
Don was also preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gerry LaForge, and his son-in-law Marty Buschman. His sister, Marilyn Dunlop died just a few days after he did, at the age of 93.
Don is survived by all four of his daughters; Margaret Buschman, Carol LaForge (Jan), Deborah Woolston (Ted), Sandra Carruthers (David), along with an “adopted” daughter, Brenda Hodge Holt, as well as 17 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren, and 14 great great grandchildren.
Don spent his last 6 years happily, in his beloved cabin with the loving company of his companion and dear friend, Judy Elrichs, who chased away his loneliness, and looked after him during his illness. She helped bring back his smile and his sense of humor after Elaine died. Our family is forever grateful to her.
Don was known for his honesty, his kindness, and generosity. Everyone who knew him loved him. He was always lending a helping hand to anyone in need, and he was a sure bet if you needed help or advice, whether it was fixing a car, (he was the world’s best mechanic!), planting a garden, or figuring out a crossword puzzle. His greatest loves were his family, camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting, Anything outdoors! He was forever taking his family on hikes and adventures, usually close to home in the hills around Panaca, but sometimes traveling to National Parks and spending weeks camping on the road. He also loved reading good books, especially Louis L’Amour, and crossword and Sudoku puzzles. He could do the really hard ones!
You will always be in our hearts Grandpa! We will miss your jokes and your stories! And the way you would kick your feet when you laughed. Thinking about that laugh will always make us smile!! Rest in Peace!
We are so sorry for your loss. May Donald rest in God’s peace.
Rest In Peace,Don. I remember how much you loved Elaine. John and I always enjoyed our time with you at Arrowhead. That was a long time ago. Prayers for your family.
While living at Arrowhead, we all surprised Elaine and Don with a party for their 50th Anniversary. They WERE very surprised and it was such a fun and memorable evening. Don was security guard and would stop by to check on me often and was always available to pull me out of if I was stuck in a snow bank with my snowmobile. Both he and Elaine went to our Thursday night potlucks at the old Firehouse bringing delicious dishes and I have made several of their wonderful recipes. Don was truly a wonderful man “one of a kind” always smiling and helpful! May his memory last forever in the hearts and souls who knew and loved him! He will be truly missed! Rest in peace dear Don!
I’m so sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to your family.
My husband, Bob, and I are neighbor of Don’s up at Arrowhead.
Don was a truly amazing man, the kind one sees to seldom today. Don was full of giving, kindness and a genuine love of others… and forever and always unassuming. Always a warm smile- on his mouth and in his eyes. His love and giving to his neighbors, and our community, will always be remembered. His death is Arrowhead’s loss. Our love and condolences to our friend Judy Elrichs, who was the perfect person for Don. Two warm and wonderful souls.
Our condolences to the family.
Don was the best neighbor and once cross country skiied to our cabin during a snow storm to check on us rookie mountaineers. He and Elaine were Arrowhead treasures.
Don was simply the best. So many good memories of him and that beautiful mountain at arrowhead.
He helped my mom so much while she lived there. We’re forever grateful. Rest In Peace sweet Don. Heaven truly gained an angel.