Richard A. Duran, a native of Colorado Springs, passed away at age 73 from complications of cancer.
Richard lived by the code that life was to enjoy. His personality was to work, play and live life to the max, which he did.
Rich worked many years with Dan Monks at Monk Concrete Ready Mix and Excavation as a sales and plant manager. He went on to form Colorado Materials Ready Mix and Rock and Rail Landscaping Supplies with his friend, Steve Mellan.
Richard was an avid traveler, spending much time in Europe and the Caribbean Islands with his long-time partner, Lezlee Gillaspie. He spent his relaxing time at his condo in Mazatlán, Mexico. He loved walking the Malecon, enjoying people and the ocean.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents: Fred and Isabella Duran, brothers: Fred Jr. and Robert Duran. He is survived by a lone brother, Donald Duran.
Thanks for the support from his special friends: Steve R., Terry S., and Lezlee G. A Celebration of Life with be held on Sunday, March 29 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at Elks Lodge 309, 3400 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs.
So sorry to hear this. I went to Bristol Elementary School
All the way to Palmer High School with you. Rest in peace.
Don: Sorry to hear about Richard’s death. I know that you and he were quite close. Also, sorry to hear about Bob’s death as well. I will not be able to attend the memorial service on the 29th as I will be competing in the Colorado State swim meet that weekend. Sending prayers your way.
Kris Anderson Beatty
You were the Love of my Life Richard. From 1963 at Bristol grade school until you passed this past February. We shared many wonderful adventures together from Spain to Tahiti to here in Colorado! You’ll always be remembered by your many friends every where!! Rest in Peace, xoxo
RIP
I’m so sorry to hear about Big Rich, we meet back in the middle 60’s at Monument Park during our summers. We were partners ever sense, along with Steve Rz and me we had many adventures in life all the way to the end. We were friends for over 60 yrs, we of course played BB and football up thru Palmer High school. All the way from when we could finally drive, we cruised in Richs 57 Chevy, what a great car to have in HS. We stayed in touch throughout all the years since and would always keep each others spirt going. My thoughts and prayers go out to his brother Don who has been by Rich through the years. We lost a great friend and charmer, Rich was always the life of the party. We love man and will never ever forget you and the great friendship we had. Rest in peace my friend.
Richard was so full of life! We are sorry we won’t be able to be at his Celebration of Life. I’m sure the stories and memories will be non-ending. Lezlee, hugs especially to you. Annie and Rob Foster
Richie Duran, the man that gave me my nickname Giz it was the leader of the pack! You will be missed prominent memory of my high school years. Will miss you. Will miss you Richard!
Richard will be greatly missed. He was my boss at RE Monks for many years. He was always easy to get along with. Sad to see him gone but now he doesn’t have to deal with the cancer.
Don and Vicki…
I was sad to hear of Richard’s passing 😢
It came as a shock.
I remember all the good times we shared at the Elk’s Lodge 309 ‼️
Lots of great memories made there, Richard was quite a character and charmer ‼️
Rest in Peace Richard 🙏💙🙏
Hold on to all your memories 🙏🙏
God Bless Don and Vicki, you have been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers 🙏🙏
My neighbor and friend for 11 years. I will always remember Rich with a smile on his face and always up for an adventure. RIP.
Rich was the coolest guy at Palmer High School. A real trend setter. Great sense of humor. I can hear his contagious laughter. I was so envious of his 57 Chevy. The girls loved him. We played football together and had a pact “you hit him high, I’ll hit him low”. We had a good laugh about that the last time I saw him. You died too young my friend. Miss you.
Rich knew how to have fun, but on top of that he had an amazing work ethic and had a wealth of knowledge that he was willing to share. We worked together the past few years and played a bit too. I will remember his smile and attitude towards life. I will miss those phones calls about what the next project was that needed to be done and the Modelo we shared when talking about this journey called life. I will think of him whenever I open one. Life was meant to be enjoyed and he did just that.
Rest in Peace Richard. I remember you from North through Palmer. You were always such a fun and Happy person. I am glad that you will no longer suffer from Cancer. You will be missed.
Richard, I’ll always remember you winning me a bear at a carnival and waiting on you at Cy’s. You always had a smile, whenever I saw you. You will be remembered, always. Rest in peace!
Rest in peace Richard. You left us too soon!
So sorry to hear that he has passed. I always loved Richie. I’m happy he had a good life. Read in Peace Cousin.
Don and Vicki,
We are so sorry for your loss! Don we know how close you and Richie were. Richie was always a charmer and fun. You’re in our prayers and thoughts always. We are traveling and will miss his celebration of life but we will be thinking about you guys. Take care cuz!