Larry Gene Holdren

Larry Gene Holdren was a lover of life. He loved to sing and play his favorite songs on repeat until we begged him to stop. He danced with enthusiasm and never turned down a chance to listen to live music. He loved sports, the outdoors, cold beer, making new friends and, most importantly, his family.

He was born November 16, 1971, in Syracuse, Kansas to Charles Richard and Beverly Jean (Potter) Holdren. He passed away on November 24, 2023, in Highlands Ranch, Colorado after suffering a sudden aortic tear.

He leaves behind his wife, Kari Jean White, daughters, Emma Elaine and Avery Jean Holdren, stepsons Logan Anthony and Gavin William White, his mother Beverly Holdren, and twin brother Terry (Natalie) Holdren. He was preceded in death by his father Charles Richard Holdren and an infant son Elijah Emery Holdren.

Larry welcomed two daughters, Emma and Avery, with Sara (Thelen) Holdren. They later divorced but the girls remained the light of his life. He coached his girls in soccer and basketball and, being the word guy that he was, always ensured their homework was grammatically correct. He passed down an appreciation of sports, a passionate spirit, a love of adventure, and thick red hair.

In 2012, Larry met Kari and they were inseparable from that point on, spending time with their four kids, traveling the world, adopting way too many cats and dogs and, most recently, training for and running the Berlin marathon. They could often be found skinning up a mountain, camping with their pets, cheering on the kids in sports and always surrounded by friends. He loved hard and laughed often.

He was passionate about the world of energy and its impact on the environment and communities. He founded Holdren Strategic Communications, RenUSA, Western Freedom and the Colorado Energy and Water Institute to further this work. Larry was a connector. He brought a unique skill set and depth of experience as a communicator but will be remembered best as a man who never knew a stranger. He had the extraordinary ability to bring people together and make introductions that mattered.

Larry had a way of filling every room he entered, not only with his height and booming voice, but with his knowledge, passion, creativity and genuine care for all around him. He leaves a void that feels impossible to fill.

As consistent with his generous nature in life, Larry was an organ donor. He was also a protector, who we can still feel taking care of us today. We’re so thankful that his kind and gentle soul will live on.

A celebration of life is planned for Sunday, December 3 from Noon to 3pm at Carboy Winery in Littleton, Co. As a tribute to his roots in small-town Western Kansas, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hamilton County 4-H in care of the Kansas 4-H Foundation. Please mention that your gift is in memory of Larry Holdren: kansas4hfoundation.org/give.