Gerford Carver Obituary

Durango resident Gerford Chester Carver died Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, of complications from esophageal cancer at Mercy Regional Medical Center. He was 82.

Known as "Red," he was born to Gertrude and Chester Carver on July 11, 1929, in Battle Creek, Mich.

"Due to his farm boy ethics and brilliant mind, he completed engineering school at Michigan Tech University in three years," his family said.

He then completed his master's degree in automotive engineering at the Chrysler Institute. As a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, Mr. Carver designed innovative truck frames that contribute to vehicle safety to this day, including the largest-selling truck model, the Ford F-series pickup frame.

During the Korean War, he served as a sergeant in the Army from 1950 to 1952.

In 1955, he married Eleanor Ann Dunne in Detroit.

Settling in Whitefish Bay, Wis., with their six children, the Carvers kindled a love of nature and respect for others, Mr. Carver's family said. Mr. and Mrs. Carver moved to Durango in 1996 to enjoy outdoor adventures with their sons Bill Carver and Jim Carver of Carver Brewing Co.

As a member of the "Brickhouse Geezers," Mr. Carver and his "ornery" colleagues met to solve the troubles of the time. He was his wife's primary caregiver until she died of complications of Alzheimer's disease in 2006.

Mr. Carver was an early supporter of the Durango Discovery Museum.

Once widowed, Mr. Carver met and fell in love with Betty Annis of Albuquerque. The couple treasured their time together

"With Betty's energetic love of life, she even got Red to travel again," his family said.

Mr. Carver was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Eleanor "Ma El" Carver, in 2006; and son John Robert Carver in 1987.

He is survived by his partner, Betty Annis, of Durango, sons Jim Carver and Bill Carver, both of Durango; daughters Sara Carver of Durango, Beth Kramer of Littleton and Meg Carver of Yellow Springs, Ohio; sister Vernabelle Carver of Durango; 14 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. today, Jan. 7, 2012, at the Durango Discovery Museum, 1333 Camino del Rio. Children are encouraged to attend.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Durango Discovery Museum, 1333 Camino del Rio, Durango, CO 81301.

Blessings may be emailed to www.hoodmortuary.com.