Eric Colby Obituary

Durango resident Eric Colby died Saturday, April, 28, 2012, at St. Anthony's hospital in Denver, where he was airlifted after a serious car accident April 24. He was 43.

Mr. Colby was born to Bill and Janet Colby in 1968 in Fort Wayne, Ind. He spent 13 years in Fort Collins and Denver working as a mortgage writer for Chase Manhattan Bank. He moved to Durango in 2003.

In 2004, he married Amita Nathwani in Durango.

"Eric had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed mountain biking, skiing, canoeing, hiking and running," his family said. "During his seven-year employment at First National Bank of Durango, he rode his bike to work every day, rain or shine. He would ski to work in the rare case that there would be a snowstorm that was un-bikable."

After leaving the banking industry, Mr. Colby worked for US Airways taxiing planes. He enjoyed his side business building custom Craftsman-style furniture.

Mr. Colby loved to garden and grow flowers and vegetables. He also enjoyed spending time with his dogs Amla and Kumar.

"Eric had a wonderful sense of humor and a contagious laugh," his family said. "Those who knew him got to experience his extreme sense of adventure and his steady commitment to always helping others."

Mr. Colby is survived by his wife of eight years, Amita Nathwani of Durango; parents, Bill and Janet Colby of Fort Wayne; and brother, Chad Colby of Durango.

In accordance with Mr. Colby's wishes, a celebration of life will be held between 5 and 7 p.m. today, May 1, 2012, at Carver Brewing Co., 1022 Main Ave.

A fund has been established at First National Bank to help with medical expenses.