Larry Lee Bovard

Larry Bovard, a long-term and proud Colorado resident, passed away on February 3, 2025. He passed away quietly in his home after a long term, yet feudal battle with a disease that took his strength but never his spirit.

He is survived by his children. Dawni Colon (Michael) of Dallas, Texas, and Jacksonville, Florida. Brett Bovard (Linda) of Lewiston, Idaho. Scott Bovard (Lynn) of Raleigh, North Carolina and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Also, his grandchildren, Amanda and Christopher Colon, Ryan and Branden Bovard, and Hunter and Phoenix Bovard.

Larry was born in Hastings, Nebraska, where he was first introduced to the two things that were the passion of his life, cars and horses. He moved to Denver Colorado in 1972 where he built and raced dragsters in the NHRA. After a few years, he decided to slow down and found the perfect place, Ridgway, CO. He wanted to live a more simple and bucolic life so, he started raising horses. He was a well-known and respected member of the community in Ridgway where he developed friendships and relationships with people whose lives were better for it.

His interest in draft horses became an obsession and a passion. He created Bovard Paradise Percherons, his showhorse team, that competed at the highest national levels. He strived for perfection and wanted to be the best of the best. His unique talent and knowledge of these animals opened many other doors in his life. From friends and neighbors, who wanted his advice or assistance to the great ranches of western Colorado that sought out his expertise to procure and develop their own draft teams.

During this time, he developed a most uncommon connection with an Amish community in Bloomfield, Iowa. Henry Yoder and his family became a surrogate family to Larry. They welcomed him with their kindness, and that gave him great comfort for the rest of his life. He learned from them the joys of a simpler life and in the end, that is what he had. A simple and extraordinary life.

Celebration of Life service will be held at Matt and Marcia Miles place 1250 West Oak Grove Road, Montrose on March 30th at 100pm.

Internment with full military honors will take place at Veterans Memorial Western Colorado Cemetery on Tuesday, April 1st at 100pm