Sara Sandstrom-Kobi, Nederland. Larry Knecht or better known as Larry the bus driver is retiring at the end of the month. Larry has been driving Nederland school buses for 11 years. More amazing is that he has been driving the same route going into Gilpin County for all of those 11 years.

Bus drivers are part of our community and part of our children’s circle of trusted adults. If you rode the school bus as a kid you probably still know the driver’s name. They make an impact on our lives. One of the Kindergarteners on Larry’s route said, “I really like Larry. He takes care of people and is nice to us.” 

As a parent, I am grateful for the drivers that care about my kids. The ones that say “hi” and show an interest in them. It is about keeping our kids safe and having a positive impact on their lives. 

Larry says that he will miss seeing the kids grow up. In the years he has been at the wheel on route 701 he has seen little boys and girls hesitantly climbing up those giant steps. Then, within a few years those same kids are confidently walking up the steps and making their way to a seat on the bus. From elementary to middle school to high school he has seen them transform into young adults. 

Larry’s colleagues at the bus barn will feel his absence as well. When asked about their friend who is retiring they said, “We all appreciate his dry wit, wry sense of humor and his enjoyment for the finer things in life.” 

“He has great student management. His bus has always been a pleasure to sub on.”

“He always kept us focused on the objective, and to maintain radio discipline.”

Traveling is part of Larry’s retirement plans. And he wants to just enjoy being retired. 

He will be missed by the kids, parents and his colleagues. We wish Larry the best on the next road that he travels. 

(Originally published in the October 24, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)