April 2, 1935 - November 29, 2023
Jim La Bau, passed peacefully surrounded by family on November 29, in Loveland, CO. Jim was born to Vernon and Elizabeth (Brodigan) La Bau in Rapid City, South Dakota. He was raised in Lemmon, SD on the family farm. While attending Colorado A&M, he met and married Kay (Thayer) La Bau.
At a very young age, Jim decided to be a forest ranger and received his forestry degree to begin his career. He was assigned to positions in Oden, UT, Juneau, Alaska, Fort Collins, CO, finally retiring in Anchorage, Alaska. He acquired his Master’s degree in 1965 from Oregon State University. In Alaska, he was raised to the ranks of Project Leader of Region 10, Chugach National Forests, which he was very proud of. Upon retirement he worked for the University of Alaska, Anchorage as a Forestry Consultant. He was very committed to his work and the goals of USFS.
Jim was proud of his entire family, always looking forward to the 2 weeks furlough every 2 years, to return to the lower 48. He enjoyed planning trips and family events. Family reunions were the highlight of the visit south, as well as seeing friends around the West,. He enjoyed attending many sporting event with his grandchildren and many trips traveling, thanks to his son Ken’s travel benefit through the airlines, in most recent years
Many hours were spent involved with groups such as Farmhouse Fraternity, United Methodist Church, Toastmasters international, Lions Club, and Society of American Foresters to name a few. In later years he arranged travel to Indonesian, Italy, and Russia to collaborate with overseas foresters. Jim wrote numerous Forestry publications as well.
Jim always looked forward to hunting and fishing season as well as ski season. He hunted dahl sheep, mtn. goat, moose and caribou. Fishing the Kenai or dip netting were a big treats too. He always preferred any outdoor experience, Whether hiking the Chilkoot Trail with son Ken and friends, canoeing on a lake, cross-country skiing into a peaceful meadow, or snorkeling in Hawaii, outdoor time was his preference.
Jim and Kay stayed active enjoying square dancing. They went to Hawaii in the 70s for a competition and fell in love with the Islands. They spent time every winter on their beloved Kauai for the past 40 years. Dad loved getting up at sunrise to “count the turtles” in the crest of morning waves. He also volunteered for Monk seal protection shifts on beaches. They invited countless friends and family over, with dad leading the daily activities from sun-up to sunset. They were outstanding hosts and have many precious memories of their visits.
He was a lifelong Methodist, devoted completely to the church in every way. He loved singing in the choir and giving solos. Jim was able to sing a solo at all 3 grandchildren’s weddings.
Douglas Methodist Church benefited from his endless hours of service and he appreciates each member of the church equally When in Anchorage, Turnagain United Methodist Church was home. Jim was committed to all aspect of the church’s health. He volunteered for numerous committees , as well as supporting the Alaska Methodist Conference, His Lions Club work was special to him and he followed their motto “We Serve”, whenever possible His last project was supporting the Peace Poster Program and he helped that project thrive.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Beverly and brother in law, Ron.
Jim is survived by Kay, his wife of 67 years; brother Ken, sister, Jeanne, and brother in law Jerry, Also, children, Ken (Kay), Lindy(Chris); grandchildren Matthew(Katie), Adam(Courtney), Leslie(Ryan), Byron(Amy), and 6 granddaughters and one grandson.
In lieu of flowers please consider memorial gifts to a meaningful service organization. .Cards may be sent to Hillcrest of Loveland, 535 N. Douglas Ave., Unit 320-Kay La Bau, Loveland, Co 80537.
Memorial service to be determined. Arrangements provided by Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home Loveland CO
