Michael Aarvold Obituary

Former Durango resident Michael Robert Aarvold died from complications of a fall Friday, Sept. 28, 2012, in Gunnison. He was 44.

Mr. Aarvold was born to Donald and Jan Aarvold on Jan. 17, 1968, in Torrance, Calif. His family moved to Durango when he was in seventh grade. He graduated from Long Beach High School in California.

On Dec. 6, 1993, he married Kelley Gwen Schaaf in Denver.

Mr. Aarvold worked as a chef throughout his life and loved to cook, his daughter Kourtney Aarvold said. In Durango, he worked at Mama's Boy Italian Restaurant, Francisco's Restaurante y Cantina and Randy's Prime Rib, Seafood and Steak. In Pagosa Springs, Mr. Aarvold was a chef at Chivalry Shark and Boss Hogg's Restaurant & Saloon.

At the time of his death, he was a chef at Palisades Restaurant & Saloon in Gunnison.

He grew up surfing and sailing in California and loved the ocean. Mr. Aarvold also enjoyed camping, fishing and spending time outdoors.

"Nothing made him happier than to help people and open his heart to everyone he could," his daughters Ashley and Kourtney Aarvold said. "His smile lit up a room, he was a warm, caring soul. Every day with our dad was special, being with his daughters was a gift, and experiencing his love and unconditional support meant so much to both of us."

Mr. Aarvold was preceded in death by his wife of 12 years, Kelley Aarvold.

He is survived by his daughters Ashley and Kourtney Aarvold, both of Durango; parents, Donald and Jan Aarvold, of Arboles; brothers Mark Aarvold of Durango and Brad Aarvold of the Four Corners; and sister, Kelly Couzens, of Newport County, Calif.

A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, at Yamaguchi Park in Pagosa Springs. Located just east of Pagosa Springs High School, the park may be reached by turning south from U.S. Highway 160 on Hot Springs Boulevard, then west on Apache St.

Friends are invited to bring a dish to share for the afternoon of remembrance.