James Weir Obituary

Former Durango and Vallecito resident James Wilson Weir died from injuries suffered in a fall Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011, at his home in Pittsburgh. He was 59.

Known as "Will," he was born to James G. and Ruth Servais Weir on Aug. 14, 1952, in Pittsburgh. He was a sports enthusiast and held the pole vaulting record at Fox Chapel High School, which stood for many years. He also was an official bat boy for the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team.

Mr. Weir enjoyed water skiing on the Severn River in Ontario, Canada, where he spent many summer vacations with his family.

He moved to Durango in 1973 and loved playing softball with his buddies on the old Gardenswartz softball team in the mid-1970s.

His family said Mr. Weir also was an accomplished songwriter and musician, playing guitar, banjo, piano and drums. He played at many local bars and restaurants in and around Durango, including Farquahrts, The Ore House, The Shoreline Inn and the Buffalo Gap.

Another of his great loves was being in the mountains with his horses and mules. He worked for many years as a wrangler, cook and entertainer for outfitters in the Vallecito area. One of his favorite hunting trips was when he played and sang around the campfire with John Denver.

"He was a master storyteller who could keep one spellbound with hilarious renditions of his adventures on the trail," his family wrote. "Will was a kind and generous soul to everyone he met, and he especially loved playing music with his friends."

He moved back to Pittsburgh two years ago to help take care of his parents.

Mr. Weir is survived by his parents, James G. and Ruth Servais Weir, of Pittsburgh; sisters Peg Ochsenreiter of Durango and Jane Misseri of Aztec; brothers George Weir and Robert "Flame" Weir, both of Pittsburgh; several nieces and nephews and two great-nieces.

A memorial gathering will be held beginning at noon Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, at Sauls Creek Stables, 3113 County Road 527 in Bayfield. A map is available at www.saulscreekstables.com. Friends are asked to bring a dish to share for a potluck and their guitars.

A memorial celebration also will be held at a time to be determined Friday, Oct. 21, 2011, at Greenwood Cemetery in Pittsburgh.

Condolences may be sent to the Weir Family, 321 Kittanning Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15215.