Lowell William Laycock, well-known business leader and life-long friend of the Western Slope community, passed away on January 18, 2019, at the age of 73 after a four-month courageous battle with bile duct cancer, in the loving presence of family. He was an endearing and truly one-of-a-kind man of gritty self-determination, tender affection, and belly-laughter antics of legendary status.
Lowell had an unwaveringly strong work ethic from boyhood until his retirement at the age of 67. He began doing lawn work at the age of eleven, while at the same time running parts on his bicycle for Laycock Motors. As a teenager, he worked at the Daily Sentinel and at the Ice House, as well as spent summers working as a peach inspector and a paving crew laborer. He attended Mesa Jr. College, then received a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University in business and marketing. He went to work as a mine surveyor for Climax Uranium, and then began his business career at Beckner-Power Insurance, transitioned to become purchasing agent at School District 51, then to GJ Pipe as Finance Director, and finally to United Companies/Oldcastle SW Group, where he spent 23 years and finished his long and distinguished career as Vice President/Chief Financial Officer.
Strong as an ox and solid like a rock, as a pillar of the community, Lowell was there for many in their times of need, from opening his home as shelter to sharing business advice to heavy manual labor. He was someone you could count on and who gave of himself to the place he love, Grand Junction, where he volunteered his time and wisdom on the boards of directors of the Community Hospital Foundation, the Colorado Mesa University Foundation, and Rocky Mountain HMO, as well as mentored many young professionals in their budding careers.
With a smile that could light up the room and an instantly recognizable, hearty laugh, Lowell was an exuberant, gregarious fan of good times and good people. He had a passion for cars, the great outdoors, and the pursuit of knowledge – a man’s man, but with a gentle, loving side. He was genuinely interested and emotionally invested in the dear lives of everyone around him. A dedicated, loving husband and a stable, generous father and grandfather to the end, Lowell’s rich legacy of hard work, philanthropy, and fun-spirited laughter shall live on through all whom he touched.
Lowell was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jan; and his son, Kenny. He is survived by his wife, Linda Laycock; sister, Linda Power; brother, Ken Laycock; sons, Andrew Laycock, Paul Laycock, Matthew Shafer, and Brandon Shafer; niece, Shari Shear; nephew, Michael Power; and grandchildren, Emily Laycock, Abigail Laycock, Ella Laycock, Henry Laycock, Leah Shafer, and Luca Shafer.
A memorial service and tribute to Lowell’s epic life will take place in the Meyer Ballroom, University Center, Colorado Mesa University at 3 PM Saturday, January 26, 2019.
Memorial contributions can be made to HopeWest and the Colorado Mesa University Foundation.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18