Gilbert Duran

Gilbert Duran, 69, of Antonito, Colorado, passed on August 11, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones after a battle with mesothelioma, which was caused by exposure to asbestos. On his dying bed he asked that we do what we can to make sure this tragedy doesn’t happen to other families. Gilbert was born on January 24, 1954, to Jose Pedro Valois Duran and Maria Adela Barela Duran in San Antonio, Colorado. He was the second youngest of seven children. Gilbert was hard working as a young child and at an early age he started traveling across the country earning a living. At age 18, he entered the U.S. Marine Corps. He thoroughly believed "Once a Marine, always a Marine" and was very proud of it. In January 1976, Gilbert married his childhood sweetheart Alice “Chickie” Duran in Conejos, Colorado. Gilbert and Chickie went on to have three children, Dominic, Rachel, and Alicia, and one granddaughter, Anjahli. He was a wonderful, devoted husband, father, and grandpa and enjoyed spending time with his loved ones. He adored his granddaughter, Anjahli, and she loved playing statue with her grampy, her best family friend. Gilbert spent 39 years working for Garney Construction providing drinking water to communities throughout the country. He took pride in tackling the difficult jobs and working for an employee-owned company. He viewed the company as a second family and taking care of his crew was his top priority until his retirement. He was a father figure to countless individuals and had a positive influence everywhere he went and is being remembered by his genuine smile. He is viewed as a legacy by many. If anyone asked for any assistance or advice, he was there for them. He touched many lives by mentoring others, being thoughtful, helpful and kind. Gilbert retired from Garney and went from traveling around the United States to traveling around the world spending time with his wife and daughters. He also started a ranch and built a new home. He enjoyed managing the ranch and tending to the animals. Throughout the years, Gilbert enjoyed spending time on his mountain property. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, gambling, and creating memories with his family and friends. Gilbert was preceded in death by his mom, Maria Adela Barela Duran, his dad, Jose Pedro Valois Duran, and his son, Dominic Duran. He is survived by his wife, Alice “Chickie” Duran, and his daughters Rachel Duran and Alicia DuPree (Antoine DuPree) and granddaughter Anjahli DuPree; brothers Jerry Duran (Darlene Duran), Alfred Duran (Marbella Duran), Jose Duran; and sisters, Susan Vigil (Lawrence Vigil), Celia Vigil (Nestor Vigil), Gloria Romero (Mark Romero). The rosary will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, on August 17, 2023 at 7:00 pm. The funeral will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, on August 18, 2023, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, Please consider donating to the Asbestos Awareness Foundation in Gilbert’s name https://give.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org/fundraiser/4860561 4860561 .The care of arrangements has been entrusted to Romero Funeral Home of Alamosa.

Gilbert Duran

January 24, 1954 - August 11, 2023