Richard Lazar Obituary
?Rich is survived by his wife of 27 years Jennifer Simon and his three sons: Gordon, Glenn, Drew Lazar. He is also survived by his mother Ruth Mortensen Lazar, Phoenix; Sister-in-law Lauren Simon, Chicago; Brother-in-law Bruce (Pam) Simon, Colorado Springs and Nephew Max Simon, Denver ; Niece Abby Simon, Boulder; Brother Zachery Lazar and Sister Stacey Watson.
Rich had a Masters Degree in Bio-Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University. He attended the University of Chicago for Medical School and went on to Harvard University for his orthopedic surgery residency and completed spine fellowships at Boston Children's Hospital and Thomas Jefferson Hospital, Philadelphia.
Rich was an avid sportsman and athlete. He played junior hockey in Canada and captained the University of Illinois-Chicago Hockey team. Rich's passion for skiing, golf and outdoor adventures was second only to his love of family. He was a generous contributor to many charities, organizations and causes. He lived life to the fullest and will be greatly missed by all.?
There will be a Memorial Service at the Shove Chapel on the Colorado College Campus at 11:30 a.m., Friday, April 8, 2011. The family requests donations to Colorado Trail Foundation or MAZON in lieu of flowers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Enjoying the Mica lodge with Dr. Ellis
April 19, 2011
Rich lived , worked and played hard. His life was one that burned brightly and intensely, especially when he got to spend time in the mountains. He was doing what he loved when he died, having a great day. He is missed
Tad Heinz MD, CS, CO
Jill Ortquist
April 19, 2011
Thanks to Dr Lazar & his PA Ryan, for giving me my life back. He did the surgery after my car accident on my cervical spine. May you rest in peace. The whole community has suffered a great loss.
April 18, 2011
To put it most simply, Rick saved my life - 9/7/02. He & Ken Kurika spent the late night hours doing extensive spinal surgery on me. Without their efforts & skills I would not be here to expess my amazement, endless gratitude and my profound sympathies to the Lazar family. God Bless ! Glen Nielsen ,Snowmass Village, Colorado
April 12, 2011
Dr. Lazar always forcefully supported his patients in legal bodily injury matters, both as to causation of the injuries and the type and extent of the injuries. This was another example of his total patient care. A superb physician and man of impeccable integrity. William Nowland, Colorado Springs, Co.
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Stephanie Koppendrayer
April 11, 2011
My most sincere sympathy goes out to Jen and the boys, and also to Rich's family at The Spine Center. I can't even find the words to write to describe how much I loved Rich. I was his nurse for 9 years. He was like a big brother to me, I've never met anyone like him. He was truly amazing! I will miss him so very much! Stephanie
Donna
April 9, 2011
My deepest sympathy to Dr. Lazar's family. Over a year ago, Dr. Lazar was my back surgeon and I feel he gave me back my life. He was always smiling and always had time to answer any and all questions. He will be remembered and missed by all. A really great and caring person!
Ann Kunkel, PT
April 9, 2011
Rich was a brilliant, highly skilled and personable surgeon. His tragic death is a huge loss to the medical field and our community, along with all of southern Colorado. "Simply the best" describes him ... by patients and medical staff alike. Our deepest condolences go out to his family. I had not met his family before the service, but how nice it was to see Rich in every one of his boys. Peace and fluffy powder runs to you on the other side, Rich. You were taken much too soon from us, but how grateful we are for the time we had you.
MSgt Bradley Martin (ret)
April 8, 2011
I was almost discharged from the military due to a severe back injury at 17 years in service. Dr. Lazar's great care brought me back stronger than ever. I went on to train other military members in self-aide and buddy care, convoy,and camp defense. His care for me helped me aide in the survival of others. I recently retired with 23 years in service.
Thank you Dr. Lazar for giving me my career and my life back. I will miss you.
Elise
April 8, 2011
Dr. Lazar saved my back when I was just a teenager. He was a fantastic doctor and really invested himself in seeing me get better. He was a counselor, confidant, and friend. He will always be in my heart and will be so greatly missed by this community.
Troy Bell
April 8, 2011
Rich's energy and fantastic sense of humor will always be with me. I don't think I ever spent a minute in his presence without having a good laugh or a deep intellectual conversation. He will truly be missed. May you rest in peace my friend. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with the entire Lazar family at this time.
Tim Bell
April 8, 2011
I've known Rich since he started his Orthopedic Spine Practice in Colorado Springs years ago. And in that time, he was always so kind, introspective, and willing to take time out of his busy schedule to talk with me. I'll forever miss that laugh, as in our last dinner meeting together just several months ago, we laughed about books we've read and places we’ve been! From my family to yours, please know of our deepest condolences.
April 8, 2011
Hilario (Larry) A. Martinez Long term Paitent and Friend.
Greg Sweetman
April 8, 2011
My heartfelt condolences to Dr. Lazar's family and friends. He truly gave me my life back. Only 5 weeks since my back surgery, and I am feeling great, and pain free. I am only one of a multitude of people he helped. I will be forever grateful.
Peggy Plylar
April 7, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Lazar's family. I have only worked with Dr. Lazar for a short period of time but I identified quickly that he was an excellent surgeon and a kind and caring person. I feel honored to have worked with him. What a terrible loss for the health care profession and the community at large.
Jeff Davis
April 7, 2011
I cannot even begin to tell you how sorry I am, I did not know him long but in the time I did he gave me back my life, I can only imagine what else he has done, again I am so sorry for your loss...
April 7, 2011
Dr. Lazar took care of me on 3 occasions. He was a brilliant surgeon in addition to being a wonderful human being. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will never ever be forgotten.
Kathy Acosta
Colorado Springs
Brandi Boyd
April 6, 2011
My condolences to Dr. Lazar's family. He was an amazing surgeon and truly helped many people with his gift. His family, both personal and professional are in our thoughts and prayers. I am truly blessed to have had him as my surgeon.
Brett Taylor MD
April 6, 2011
Rich was a great teacher colleague and friend. As a resident under Rich I found his guidance and advice crucial to my growth as a surgeon. He will be missed but never forgotten. His loss reaches around the nation as the orthopedic spine community has lost a leader and mentor
Patty Songer
April 6, 2011
My truly Deepest condolences to Dr. Lazar's family and friends. He brighten the hospital room every time he walked in it to see how I was doing, thanks to Dr. Lazar, I am walking with out pain, and I am deeply saden for his lost.
Gail and Ken Decker
April 6, 2011
My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow and sadness. I pray for you and your family, that they may find a sense of peace in all of the happy memories they shared with you. You will be greatly missed.
Ellen McQuillan
April 6, 2011
My deepest condolences to Dr. Lazar's family. His professional expertise and friendship enables me to walk again without pain, and I will always remember his care.
From a very grateful patient
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501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
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