Alexander Tejada Obituary

Durango resident Alexander C. Tejada died from complications of diabetes Saturday, June 16, 2012, in Boulder. He was 61.

Known as "Alex, he was born to Alex and Gloria Tejada on July 30, 1950, in Floresville, Texas. He was one of eight children.

On June 30, 1990, he married Beth Crane at Wit's End Guest Ranch at Vallecito Reservoir.

A graduate of Floresville High School and St. Mary's University in San Antonio, he earned his law degree from the University of Denver Law School. His long legal career included working for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and more than 30 years in criminal defense since he moved to Durango in 1981, first at the Public Defender's Office and then in private practice with his wife, Beth Crane. As partners in the law firm of Crane & Tejada, the couple worked together on thousands of cases.

"Alex was a relentless advocate for his clients, a defender of the Constitution, and a champion of truth and fairness," his family said.

When not in the office, he was most content riding his mules and horses in the high country of Southwest Colorado and telling stories around the campfire.

"Generous with his friends, family, and strangers, Alex was also known for hosting an annual armadillo and pig roast," his family said. "A man of many talents, he claimed to have personally herded the armadillos from Texas over Raton Pass into Colorado. His dog, Janey, whom he treated like a daughter, was always at his side – particularly at the dinner table."

Mr. Tejada is survived by his wife and companion of more than 30 years, Beth Crane, of Durango; son Beale Tejada of Boulder and eldest son Clayton Tejada, from his previous marriage with Janice McDermott, of Philadelphia; stepsons Alex Accetta of Portland, Ore., and Randy Accetta of Tucson, Ariz.; siblings Alexandra "Paula" Villarreal, Gloria "Pinky" Hagge, Robert "Bobby" Tejada, Irma Tejada, Lisa Jo Maloney and Rick Tejada, all of the San Antonio-Floresville area; and five grandchildren.

A "final retirement and farewell party" will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 24, 2012, at Wilderness Trails Ranch, 23486 County Road 501 at Vallecito. Remarks will start at 3 p.m. All are invited. Attire is cowboy casual.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the La Plata County Fair 4-H Junior Livestock Auction Add-ons, 2500 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301, attn.: Randy McKee; Compañeros: Four Corners Immigrant Resource Center, 1022½ Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301; or Del Alma, c/o Durango Adult Education Center, 701 Camino del Rio, Suite 301, Durango, CO 81301.