By Jessica Hughes
Community Icon: Larry Ambrose was a revered member of the Denver community and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Longtime Denver neighborhood advocate and former INC (Inter Neighborhood Cooperation) President, Larry Ambrose, passed away quietly in hospice care after his battle with cancer, on January 28, 2022.
A Pueblo native, Ambrose began his education in business with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from CU, an MBA from UCLA, and a JD from the University of Denver. He started his career in the glitz and glam of Hollywood as a cabaret manager, producing a variety of shows and events, some of which made their way to CU Boulder.
For nearly 50 years, Ambrose had been involved in the formation and advocacy of Denver neighborhood groups when he and his wife, Jane, started Northwest Neighbors. Within those 50 years, he co-founded the Sunnyside Highland Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association, the INC Parks committee, and (with his wife) the Sloan’s Lake Neighborhood Association, where he served as Vice President.
With a passion for saving historic buildings in Denver, Ambrose was intrinsically involved with projects preserving Denver neighborhoods. One such initiative was a movement for citywide building height control back in the mid-1980s, where he co-chaired. He helped to preserve historic buildings in the Highlands, and most notably, he is known for moving the Golda Meir House at the Auraria Campus from total destruction to a fully restored structure now placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Many of his contributions came through during his time at the INC where he served on the board for nine years as Secretary, Vice President, and President. Ambrose also served on numerous city planning committees and task force groups, including his time as an INC representative to the Visit Denver Olympics Civic Engagement subcommittee. Plus, he served as Executive Director for Southwest Improvement Council, whose purpose is to improve living conditions for its residents through civic engagement, health and human service programs and affordable housing.
In 2021, Larry was awarded the Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in the surrounding communities. With this award, the legacy of Larry Ambrose will live on with his “lifetime” commitment to tackle the betterment of Denver neighborhoods.
Those who knew Larry well, spoke of him with warm words and true admiration. Bridget Walsh, who was a friend and dedicated advocate alongside Larry at INC, remembers him fondly. “He was one of our public voices for the community,” says Walsh. So much so, he had been encouraged to run for Mayor. Walsh and Ambrose were partners in many community initiatives, one of which was to stop the Denver Zoo from giving recycled water to its elephants.
“He was so smart and able to present issues in an approachable way. Larry would say the most damning things with the biggest smile on his face,” recalls Walsh, “a true advocate for the neighborhoods he served.”
Another close colleague at the INC, Jane Lorimer, reminisces about Ambrose saying, “He was a positive force for parks and open space. His dedication to an institution that advocated for neighborhoods was sincere and passionate.” A cancer survivor herself, Lorimer recalls when he was diagnosed a few years ago, “We could talk through treatments and our feelings together. His optimism and positive attitude gave him extra time with those he loved. I will miss his humor, insights, leadership, and friendship.”
Toward the end of his life, Ambrose participated in clinical trials when conventional treatments were exhausted, leaving behind his own legacy not only in how he valiantly fought for his community but also for those suffering from a similar diagnosis.
Larry’s funeral was held at Fairmount Cemetery on Tuesday, February 1, 2022. A celebration of his life will be held in early March. Cards can be sent to 1750 Meade St., Denver, CO 80204, and donations can be sent to One Sky One World at P.O. Box 11149 Denver, CO 80211.