If the rest of you guys miss him half as much as I do, my heart goes out to you. He'd be proud to know though that his torch has been successfully passed - my young troop from my squad-leading days not only finished sniper school on the military side but is now enrolled in the fire-rescue academy. And...nobody really says it out loud, but I believe am officially the grumpy old man here at work. Miss you buddy. 

Happy Birthday buddy. You are beyond missed. 

I met Lon in 2015 at Friends of Horses during my research for my grad program at DU. I had never in my life had a horse but was studying equine therapy as part of my research. During that time, one of the rescue horses to a shine to me and would not leave me alone. Never having even put a halter on a horse, over the course of a few months, Lon was dedicated to teaching me what I needed to know and I eventually adopted this horse, Dancer. I also created an equine assisted activities program with Dancer for my grad program. It was a miraculous adventure. I now ride Dancer out into the countryside solo for hours at a time and just recently adopted a 5 month old wild mustang that I have trained and am now starting to ride gently. He is 2.5 now.  Long taught me everything I know about horses; how to be gentle, how to listen, how to let them have a voice in the choice, and how to honor their magic. I pray for Lon on many of my rides because, had it not been for his patience and love of horses, I would never have been blessed with mine. I miss him but think of him often and thank him every time I ride.

This makes me sad to hear. Lon was an EMT mentor in Bailey and I have so many memories of him. The first time I met him was the night I joined Platt Canyon Rescue. We challenged each other to a wrestling match in the supply room and threw each other around. I told him he was pretty agile for an older man which fired him up..lol. I was his "pit crew" at a race on the Wapsi River and I helped him build Katie's swing set when she was around 5. I enjoyed causing mischief with him too! Great memories. Lon was one of the most interesting people I've ever known. He helped me when I was down and taught me valuable skills about saving lives. I deeply regret never reconnecting. My condolences to all of his people.

I met Lon at Friends of Horses. He was always so helpful and enjoyable to spend time with.  He loved the horses and the horses loved him. He will be remembered by many of us that were at that barn.

I worked with Lon quite a few years working Costilla ambulance. He really knew emergency medicine. You either loved him or hated him., but you had to respect his knowledge and dedication to our trade.

Dear Lon,

You will be missed. My condolences to your family dear friend. I will remember our days at Immanuel Lutheran School. Rest in peace my dear friend.

Marcia, Katy and all who knew Lon. Your in my prayers 

Sharon Perko 

Marcia my dear friend so sorry for your precious loss.  Please accept my deepest sympathies and know that you and Katy are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. There are no words that can express my deepest regrets over the loss of your husband. I pray his memory will bring you both peace and comfort over the coming months. Hugs and Lots of love.

Marcia and Katy. Tom and I so sorry for your loss. You all made such an impact on Sandie’s life.  Let us know if there is anything we can do for you. 

Words can’t say it. Friend, brother, confidant, fellow Recondo, mentor, the common sense get it done voice of reason that saved my life when you found me dying slow in ‘08, who knew and understood the spiritually wounded and gave so much of yourself to lend a strong hand.  I will do what I can for your people and I’ll soldier on without you; it’s what we do, but damn, it’s going to be lonely. Get some rest brother. You’ve earned it. Love ya man. 

Mike was a good friend of Lon's. They grew up together. We had some great times together after  we were married. Lon was a little ruff around the edges at times, but that was part of his great character. We were glad to be able to stop in for a visit with him and his family on a trip thru Colorado. It was a great day reminiscing about old times, RIP, good friend.  Heaven has gained another angel. Our sincere condolences to Marcia, Shellie and Katie. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Mike and Cheryl Lord.