Douglas William Horther

Douglas William Horther July 14, 1950-September 19, 2015 Longtime Durango and Dolores resident Douglas William Horther, 65, died peacefully in the company of his loving wife, Lucy, at Southwest Memorial Hospital in Cortez, on Saturday, September 19, 2015. Doug was born, the first child of William Conrad and Helen Lucille Horther, in Durango, CO. He graduated from Durango High School in 1968 and the University of Colorado, Boulder with a triple major in Economics, Sociology and Political Science. Doug worked in construction, as a cloud seeder for the Forest Service and earned an additional degree in Elementary Education from Ft. Lewis College. He taught in Albuquerque schools and was proud to lead his chess team to a city championship. Doug was courageous in meeting many health challenges the last six months. He was deeply grateful for the compassionate care and expertise provided by the many professionals at Southwest Memorial Hospital, St. Mary's Medical Center and Craig Hospital. His family is forever indebted for the gift of additional time shared with him. Doug delighted in a well-prepared meal shared with loved ones and friends. He had the rare ability to connect with strangers, cultivating friendships wherever he went. He was an avid gardener, magical fisherman and will be forever followed by his many Yellow Labrador Retrievers. Doug's face brightened each time he was addressed as Uncle Doug by his many nieces and nephews. They will dearly miss his jokes, teasing and constant affection. He leaves an incredible legacy of love for his family to cherish. He was preceded in death by his brother, David Horther, his father and his mother. He is survived by his wife, Lucy Horther (Ringueberg) of Dolores, CO; sisters, Beverly Mignerey (Art) of Anthem, AZ, Lorie Horther (Herb Heitzman) of Bermuda Dunes, CA, Jan Ladd of Fort Collins, CO, Ellen Horther (John Schaefer) of Guerneville, CA; brother, Joe Wismann-Horther (Lynn) of Centennial, CO; nieces and nephews, Susan (Chad) Ava and Tessa Larkin, Ryan (Lindsey) and Kaden Ladd, Carey Mignerey, Cecile Voss and Chris (Michele) Schaefer, Danielle Ladd and Cassius Bradbury, Amara, Jada and Nova Ladd, Robert (Laura) and Austyn Ladd, Mackenzie and Torin Ladd, Isa, Lia and Ian Wismann-Horther. A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, October 25, at Ertel Funeral Home, 42 N. Market Street, Cortez, 970-565-3468 (http://www.ertelfuneralhome.com) with a community gathering to follow. The Rev. Patrick Valdez C.R. will be the celebrant. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Doug to Craig Hospital Foundation, 3425 South Clarkson, Englewood, CO 80113 or online at https://craighospital.org/foundation/howtogive.