We are sad to share that our friend and a founder of the Land Trust, Harry Talbott, passed away over the weekend following a brief illness and hospitalization.

Harry’s legacy lives on through his family and all those who were lucky enough to know him. Along with his wife Bonnie, the Butlers, Ivan and Jane Wood, and others, Harry helped create Mesa County Land Conservancy in 1980. We will all remember Harry as hard-working, persistent, and successful, all with a sense of humor and healthy dose of irreverence. As we mourn this loss, we are grateful for his friendship and the many years we worked together on our shared passion for land conservation.

Last August, we recorded a conversation between Harry, Bonnie, John and Doris Butler, and Rob Bleiberg as part of an oral history project. Below is an unedited hour and 18 minute long recording of that conversation—we hope it brings back good memories of Harry during this difficult time.

In order of entrance: Bonnie Talbott, Rob Bleiberg, Harry Talbott, Doris Butler, John Butler.

Also, in 2018 Harry was inducted into the Colorado Agricultural Hall of Fame. The Land Trust was honored to advocate for Harry’s nomination. Here is a link to a 12 minute long video of his induction. It includes a short biography, interviews with Harry and his family, and finally his acceptance speech: Watch the video.

Read Harry’s obituary in The Colorado Sun: Harry Talbott, who gave his life to Palisade’s prized peaches, has died at age 86.

Read Harry’s obituary in The Daily Sentinel: Harry Talbott remembered for Palisade peach industry and much more.