Jonathan Ray Yarborough

Jonathan Ray Yarborough died on Mt. Ouray in Saguache County in Colorado where he had gone hiking on September 24, 2022. He fell from a boulder close to the peak of Mt. Ouray and was found September 30 on a scree field at 11,837 feet. Jonathan was an advanced level hiker who, with his dog Larry, had successfully climbed many of the 14,000 foot, or “14er”, mountains in the area, including Mt. Harvard and Castle Peak. The search and rescue team spotted Larry from a helicopter. Larry had stayed by Jonathan for a full week before Jonathan was found. Jonathan died at age 49 doing something he loved with his best friend by his side.

Jonathan was born and raised in North Carolina. As an adult, he moved to California where he spent many years as a musical artist, writing and performing songs. He also did custom renovations and was an expert glass glazier, installing specialized glass designs in LA homes and businesses. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology from California State University Northridge. Jonathan spent the last eight years living in Colorado, most recently in Poncha Springs, making music, hiking, snowboarding, playing basketball and running his own custom renovations business, Visionary Construction. 

Jonathan is survived by a large and loving family who are heart-broken by this loss, but they will continue to celebrate his life and carry him in their hearts in this life and beyond. Wherever there is music or mountain, his presence will be felt.

In honor of Jonathan and Larry, please consider making a donation to the Humane Society of the South Platte Valley, where Jonathan and Larry, his heroic dog, began their journey together. 

https://www.coloradogives.org/donate/HSSPV

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