Walter C. Duran

Walter C. Duran, 80, died Sunday, May 7, 2006 at Longmont United Hospital.Born Ubaldo Cristobal Duran on September 28th, 1925, in South Fork, Colorado, Walter was the youngest of nine children. Preceding him in death were four sisters and four brothers, Imelda, Josefina, Adelina; the twins, Eloisa and Frank, Mercor (Mel), Leopoldo (Leo), and Joe Jr. He married Maltilde Louisa (Louise) Martinez on May 28, 1945. Walter proudly labored as a miner for New Jersey Zinc Company in Gilman, Colorado for 45 years. He owned and operated the bus line in Minturn, Colorado as well. Following his wife?s death in June 2000, he relocated to Mead, Colorado, where he enjoyed his final years on his ranch.As a younger man, Walter was an avid hunter and horseman. He was a spry man who loved to putter around his home, dance and laugh. He was a loving and generous family man, and his best times in the last few years were spent enjoying his grandchildren and exploring the ranch with his great-grandsons.He is survived by his daughter, Dorothy Martinez and husband John, of Mead; and, his son, W Christopher Duran and wife Karen, of Windsor, Colorado. He is also survived by his 5 grandchildren: Jennifer Martinez (James Dockery), Adam Duran, Megan Duran, Michael Rossman, all of Ft. Collins, Colorado and Mallory Duran of Windsor; and two great grandchildren, Donovan and Damien Martinez-Dockery of Fort Collins.A memorial service will be held at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Parish in Minturn on Saturday, May 13th. Rosary will be at 1:00, with memorial service following at 1:30. His ashes will be laid to rest alongside Louise and their two infant children (Chris and Lorraine) who preceded them in death and were buried in LaGarita, Colo. Additional memorial services 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 14, at the family?s home in Platteville, 17282 Weld County Road 13.