Patricio Duran

Patricio "Pat" Duran, 86, passed away Nov. 3, 2012. He was born in Salida, Colo. to Carpio and Geneveve Duran. He had nine brothers and three sisters. He attended school in Fort Collins and Nebraska. He joined the Army in 1944 at 18, signing up at "Old Main" on the CSU campus, now gone. He received training at Fort Knox, Kentucky and then was sent to France, Berlin, Offenberg, and Hoff, Germany. He was in the 702nd Tank Battalion, "Red Devils." He served from 1944 to 1946, receiving four decorations/citations. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Fort Collins and married Mary Inez Cordova on May 20, 1947. They were happily married for 62 years until her death in 2009. Within those years, they lived in Fort Collins, Wyoming, Nebraska returning to Fort Collins around 1965. He worked many jobs along the way from ranching, working on the railroad, working in the oilfields, and finally plumbing. He did some plumbing in Nebraska, moved to Fort Collins, worked for Rodgers Plumbing, and then was partners in Five Star Plumbing until retiring in 1987 to enjoy fishing, gardening, and walking. On September 11 and 12, 2012 he took part in the "Honor Flight" to Washington. His name is also listed on Spring Canyon's Veterans Plaza Memorial. He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife; two sons, three brothers, and one sister. Surviving are four sons: Jim Duran, Jerry Susan Duran, and Jeff Duran of Fort Collins. Jack Chris Duran of Aurora and one daughter Judy Rick Davison of Fort Collins; six brothers, two sisters, eight grandsons, three granddaughters, twenty-one great granddaughters, seven great grandsons, one great-great grandson, and one great-great granddaughter; also numerous nieces and nephews. We will miss his laugh, his smile, and his many stories. Cremation and a celebration of life was his request. Celebration will take place at The American Legion Post #4 on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012 at 1 p.m. Covered dish is appreciated. We love you dad.