Lawrence I. Brittain

Lawrence I. Brittain (Larry), 69, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. He faced every challenge with strength, humor, and grace, never losing his spark or his smile.

Larry was born on July 16, 1955, in Highland Park, Illinois, to Gilbert and Harriet Brittain. During his early childhood, the family relocated to Palo Alto, California, for his father’s job, where Larry grew up with his siblings — brother Jay Brittain and sisters Susan Mancusi-Ungaro and Linda Ellison. His childhood was filled with curiosity, laughter, and a kind-hearted nature that would define him throughout his life.

In 1981, Larry met the love of his life, Elizabeth Fikes — it was truly love at first sight. Together, they built a beautiful life and family over 44 years.

Larry was a devoted father to his daughter, Courtney Cocchi, and her husband, Tyler Cocchi, and his son, Sean Fikes, and his wife, Lorena Fikes. He had a special bond with both Tyler and Lorena, embracing them as his own and always bringing laughter to every gathering with his sharp wit and playful charm.

His greatest joy was being “Papa” to his four beloved grandchildren: Kendall Brittain (16), Makayla Fikes (15), Kaden Cocchi-Brittain (14), and Kaeson Cocchi (6). He was endlessly proud of the strong, loving family he helped create, and his presence will forever be felt in each of their lives.

Larry had a deep love for the water and the freedom it brought. Whether boating on Lake Tahoe or soaking up the sun in Maui, he was happiest near the water. His easygoing nature, clever sense of humor, and quick wit drew people in effortlessly. He had a gift for making others laugh — with a smart remark, a teasing joke, or a perfectly timed one-liner. More than anything, Larry was a true friend — the kind who genuinely listened, who cared deeply, and who made every person feel seen and valued.

Larry was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Gilbert and Harriet Brittain, and his sister, Linda Ellison. He is survived by his loving partner, Liz Brittain; his children, Courtney Cocchi and Sean Fikes; his grandchildren, Kendall, Makayla, Kaden, and Kaeson; his brother, Jay Brittain; his sister, Susan Mancusi-Ungaro; and countless friends and extended family who cherished him deeply.

At this time, there will not be a formal service or celebration of life, out of respect for the distance many of our family and friends would need to travel, and to be mindful of the financial burdens that often accompany such gatherings.

Instead, we invite you to honor Larry in a personal and heartfelt way.

On July 16, 2025—what would have been his 70th birthday—please light a candle in his memory. Take a quiet moment to remember his love, his laughter, and the light he brought into your life.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Larry by performing an act of kindness — help someone in need, take a friend to lunch, lend a hand to someone struggling, or simply “Practice Aloha.” That’s how Larry lived, and it would make him smile.