John Randolph Hartley

1953 - 2021

John Randolph Hartley obituary, 1953-2021, Durango, CO

BORN

1953

DIED

2021

John Hartley Obituary

John Randolph Hartley, Matco Toolman Extraordinaire, died November 5, 2021 of prostate cancer. He was born in Guelph, Ontario Canada on July 7, (8) 1953 to Donald and Muriel Hartley who emigrated to Canada from England looking for a better life after WWII.

As a child, he lived in Michigan, Long Island NY, and Florida before moving to Durango, CO. While in high school there he met the Love of his life, Lauren Koshak, whom he was married to for 46 incredible years.

John and Lauren owned and operated a successful Matco Tool business for 36 years since moving to Las Cruces, NM in 1985.

John loved to build and fly model airplanes, helicopters, and drones with his best friend Pete Dorr. He also loved to ride his cherished, David Reynolds-Wheelsport built Harley Davidson motorcycle. John had more fun than should have been allowed!

John is survived by his wife Lauren, his sister Frann, her husband David Love, his nephews Patrick Love and Christopher Hartley, his cousin Gary Theurer and Lauren's family who loved him like their own, Aunt Wilma Piccoli and her seven children and their families.

John will be forever missed by his many friends and his loving family.

Services will be held in Durango on a date to be determined.

Published by The Durango Herald on Nov. 15, 2021.
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Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries

So sorry to see this. My condolences to Lauren.

Jack Pfalmer

December 24, 2021

My deepest condolences to your family. Lauren I am so very sorry for your loss. May your happy memories sustain you through this trying time. Marcella

Marcella Gomez

November 22, 2021

Saddened to read of John's passing, but so glad that he and Lauren shared love & happiness. First met John in late 60s in Durango - he was cool, easy-going and confident. He brought a cultural awareness to our small town (first to share Allman Brothers with me). I realize now that we must have left Durango at about the same time. Fond memories of John in a simpler time when all things were possible. He was a good guy and a friend to all. My condolences, Lauren. Bless your memories.

Steve Helmericks

Friend

November 16, 2021

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