Ernesto T. Duran

Ernesto T. Durán was born on April 30, 1943 in Cananea, Sonora to Rafael and Josefa Durán, the third of five siblings. During his early childhood, his family relocated to Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. As a young adult, he fell in love and married his lifelong sweetheart, Elvia, and together they immigrated permanently to the United States in 1968. Ernesto quickly discovered his affinity for driving big rigs, loving the open road and the independence that it provided, and became a commercial truck driver and a brother in the Teamsters Union Local 683, proudly working for VitaGold, Olson Brothers, Coast Citrus Distributors, Fornaca Family Bakery, Pacific Pride, and Bimbo Bakeries, for a grand total of 35 years of service.

Ernesto loved life and it was hard not to love him! He was passionate about spending time with family and friends, driving, traveling and the outdoors; hobbies included playing billiards, gardening, fishing, and watching horseracing and sports, especially boxing matches and baseball. A faithful Padres fan, he rooted for them and savored every victory as his own. To know him was to be teased by him, and boy was he good at it! After a debilitating stroke in January 2002, Ernesto fought to regain and maintain his mobility and speech. Although he became permanently disabled, Ernesto continued to appreciate life’s gifts, and always expressed his appreciation and gratitude with a warm smile, loving eyes and strong handshake.

After suffering from a number of complications, Ernesto went to his Eternal Rest with the Lord on December 7, 2015. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving wife of fifty years, Elvia, his children - Yolanda Durán Escoto, Elvia Elias, Lourdes Tappe, Monica D. Nix, and Ernesto M. Duran, son-in laws, and grandchildren. Ernesto lives forever in our hearts and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Vigil services will be held at Glen Abbey Mortuary in Bonita, California on Monday, December 21, 2015 from 5-9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Lemon Grove, California.