Duane Valencia Obituary

Ignacio resident Duane Solomon Valencia died of cancer Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, at his home. He was one week shy of his 46th birthday.

Mr. Valencia was born to Manuel and Lillian Valencia on Nov. 14, 1965, in Garden Grove, Calif. His family moved to Ignacio in 1971. He attended Ignacio schools and graduated from Ignacio High School. His family said he excelled in all sports and was a state runner-up in wrestling.

Mr. Valencia attended San Juan Basin Vo-Tech in Cortez. He was an auto technician for many years at McNeil's Service Center and later was an advanced shop foreman at New Country Auto Center.

On June 4, 2005, he married Deidra Valdez.

In addition to being well-known in the automotive community, he was also known for mentoring and coaching many area youths, his family said. He had recently been involved in high school refereeing.

Mr. Valencia enjoyed hunting, fishing and being in the outdoors. He had a passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles and rooting for the Miami Dolphins. He was also known for being a practical joker. His family said Mr. Valencia was a talented barbecue chef and made the "best" red beet jelly.

"He had a great love for his family and will be missed immensely," his family said.

Mr. Valencia is survived by his father, Manuel Valencia, of Aztec; wife, Deidra Valencia, of Durango; daughters, Kayla Madril and Miriah Madril, both of Durango; son, Marcus Madril, of Durango; brothers, Robert Valencia of Cortez, Bryant Valencia of Blanco, N.M., and Lonnie Valencia of Oklahoma City; sisters, Debbi Valencia and Trish Jacket, both of Ignacio, and Gloria Valencia of Mancos; three grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Cremation will occur. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14, 2011, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 15449 Colorado Highway 172 in Ignacio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to help the family with medical expenses may be made to the Duane Valencia Memorial Account at First National Bank of Durango, 259 E. Ninth St., Durango, CO 81301.