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John Toot Obituary
John was born in Wichita, Kansas on November 6, 1948. He graduated from Wichita State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. He later joined Foster Wheeler as a Field Accountant. After leaving Foster Wheeler, John opened Toot's Hallmark in the Main Mall in Durango in 1988, remaining in business until 2002.
Among his many interests, John was an avid skier. During the 2016-17 season at Durango Mountain Resort (Purgatory), John skied every day the mountain was open using supplemental oxygen, 145 days in all.
John is survived by his wife, Ellen, of Durango. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Lucille Toot, and his sister, Janet Walsh. He is mourned by a wide circle of friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Toot
2 Entries
Cindy Lou Conway
March 18, 2023
Ellen I am so sorry to learn that John died last summer. My ski days have been very limited the past few seasons but it was always a pleasure to run into him up there, and you as well that year he talked you into getting a pass. He was a very kind man and I'm grateful for his friendship. He was definitely one of the legends of Purgatory! Next time I get up there my first run will be for him. I hope you are well, and I apologize for not knowing sooner.
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Staci Brand
September 13, 2022
Ellen, you and John were always so kind to me and my family. You supported us in planning for our Wedding at Tamarron and the surrounding events. You celebrated with me and my late husband, the birth of my first child (1 of 2) and treated us like royalty at Toot's Hallmark (one of my favorite places ever!) I don't think we ever left Toot's without a compliment given, a kindness demonstrated, and usually a small gift or trinket for my child. As a stay-at-home Mom, away from family, those interactions were priceless to me and will always mean the world. I am grateful to have gotten to know John. He was an amazingly kind man. I will forever treasure the mementos I still have from your epic store (and the conversations that went with them), but I will treasure more the memory of John, may he rest in peace.
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