Kenneth Edward Tozer Sr.

1936 - 2019

Kenneth Edward Tozer Sr. obituary, 1936-2019, Durango, CO

BORN

1936

DIED

2019

Kenneth Tozer Obituary

Ken Tozer passed away Sunday, July 14, 2019 in his home in Durango, at the age of 82. A memorial Mass will be held at St Columba Catholic Church on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 10:00am. A reception will follow at the Parish Hall. Ken was born September 4, 1936 to Allen J Tozer and Elsie A Koenig at home in Dolores, Colorado. A graduate of Mancos High School, Ken then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While serving in Philadelphia, PA he met and married Audrea J Keefer. After the birth of their second child, he moved his family back to Durango, CO in 1961. He was a successful businessman, outdoorsman, historian, collector, and storyteller. He was a strong influence in his family's lives, mentoring their interests. He was known for his compassion of others and forgiving nature. He is preceded in death by his first spouse of 39 years, Audrea J. Tozer and his parents. Ken is survived by his partner of 20 years: Teresa (Terry) Harned, son: Kenneth E. (Robin) Tozer, II; daughter: Zandra Lee (Lynn) Parks; grandsons: Chad M. England, Kenneth E. Tozer III; and great grandson: Caden M. England. Memorial contributions may be sent to: St Columba Catholic Church or the VFW, both in Durango. Kenneth Edward Tozer, Sr.

Published by Pine River Times on Jul. 18, 2019.
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It's not everyday that a soul as large as his, with so much undying spirit, gets called home. Although Ken Sr. was not my Grandad by blood, he was my Grandad by bond, and he nurtured me all the same. In fact, I am not sure that I will ever meet another being with as much joie de vivre, in my lifetime. I learned so many lessons from this amazing man; however, I will only mention three because he would want everyone to know these lessons.
He taught me the importance of being in tune with nature. Nature can be thrilling and comforting all at the same time. His teachings included: panning for gold, learning how to ride a motorcycle, how to build a proper swimming hole in the creek, how to care for an abandoned baby birdand allowing me to morn when my baby bird didn't survive, cheering me up with motorcycle rides to the parkmotorcycle rides anywhere and everywhere really.
He taught me the value of a good competition. The funny thing about this lesson is that I rarely ever won. From cards, to foot racing, and even badminton. Perhaps the lesson here was how to lose gracefully. All of these games were full of laughter and fun, and just when I would get frustrated about losing all the timeI would win.
I was torn about the last lesson that I wanted to mention. Mostly, I remember my Grandad being an incredibly hard worker. I remember the smells that he carried in his clothes, his hands worn from overuse, and that he still somehow always had time for me. I guess the last lesson is a combo about the importance of hard work and the balance with kindness.
Today, as I sit here remembering Grandad, I can say that he will be missed, but that his lessons live on. I hope that you are adventuring in paradise Grandad!
With love,
Desiree

Desiree

July 24, 2019

Patricia G Martin

July 24, 2019

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Jul

25

Memorial Mass

10:00 a.m.

St Columba Catholic Church

CO

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