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Science and the outdoors are just two of the many
loves shared by Barbara and Michael Larime. They met at a freshman mixer
at the University of Michigan in 1961. When Michael invited Barbara to
leave the mixer and go canoeing, she almost refused, saying, "Well, I
was going to do my ironing." Luckily for their relationship, she decided
to go canoeing. Barbara finished the trip by grabbing a tree branch to
climb out of the canoe. Michael rescued her when the branch broke and
dumped her into the river. Soaked from her mishap, she still agreed to
spend the rest of the afternoon out dancing with him. They still enjoy
dancing and canoeing together.
Barbara grew up in Niles MI. She had always planned to major in math in
college, and added computer skills to her math expertise to establish
her lifelong career as a computer specialist, first for GM, and then for
EDS, when GM acquired that company. Her work involved software design
and support for various GM suppliers and offshoots of GM.
Michael spent his childhood in Fairfield CT. He wanted to be a
scientist, so he studied chemical engineering, chemistry, and physics,
receiving his degree in chemistry. After graduation, he worked in
research and development for several small firms, doing research on the
chemistry of compressor refrigerants. He also worked on the surface
chemistry of release agents for the casting industry and formulated
chemical products for the recreational vehicle industry at Thetford
Corporation. In the 26 years he worked for Thetford, he went from
chemist to V.P. of sales and marketing to general management, and then
became president of the company. As a chemist, he developed the product
Aqua-Kem, now an industry standard for RV wastewater treatment. While
company president, he served as chairman of the RV trade association
board. His lobbying efforts for the trade association in Congress were
influential in establishing the National Scenic Byways Program and the
fee demonstration program, through which National Parks can keep a
portion of the fees they collect for park maintenance. About half the
firm's RV business was in Europe, so Michael traveled extensively during
his career.
Barbara and Michael raised their two sons in Dexter MI. At home they had
a large organic garden. Barbara also had a greenhouse where she started
vegetable plants and raised flowers. About fourteen years ago, she began
to raise orchids as well, a hobby she still loves. The Larimes continued
to enjoy the outdoors as their family grew. They camped extensively in
the Great Lakes area, in Canada, Glacier National Park, Lake Placid, and
Yellowstone National Park. Although Michael was professionally involved
with recreational vehicles, they did mostly tent camping and
backpacking. Barbara and Michael shouldered the majority of the weight
on those family backpacking trips until their twelve-year-old beat
Barbara at arm wrestling and they realized the boys were old enough to
carry their own gear! They also skied in Austria, hiked in Switzerland,
wandered in Italy, and enjoyed business meetings in Hawaii.
Barbara has always loved fishing. When they moved to Colorado, she took
fly fishing lessons and became a devoted fly fisherman. She is now an
active member of the local Trout Unlimited chapter.
The Larimes hoped to retire to a self-sufficient and vibrant community
in a beautiful place. After a lot of searching, they fell in love with
the Four Mile area above Glenwood Springs. They designed and built their
home just off Four Mile Road, with an orchid greenhouse for Barbara and
wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. The 100 Club leapfrogged
them into the community. They were impressed by how much Glenwood
Springs citizens care about their town, and how quickly even the
old-timers invited them into their circles. Having found Glenwood
Springs to be the perfect place to retire, they are pleased to be an
active part of the community, helping to maintain the quality of life
that attracted them to settle here.
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