Orville Lester McCoy, Jr., died December 16, 2021 at Welbrook Transitional Rehabilitation in Farmington, NM. He was 78 years old.

"Lester" was born in Chromo, CO. on August 22, 1943 to Orville and Cipriana McCoy. He spent most of his life in the Ignacio, CO area, where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding the range, working cattle and just being outdoors. He loved to rope and rodeo.

Lester graduated from Ignacio High School in 1962 and went to work as an apprentice carpenter and then worked on several ranches. He also worked for Ignacio School District and La Plata County as fairgrounds manager.

His life took another turn when he helped start Los Pinos Fire Protection District and then became the first fire chief, a position he held for 25 years.

Lester studied hard and became an EMT in 1975, something he really enjoyed. He also served as the La Plata County Deputy coroner for many years. He loved helping people and taught CPR and EMT classes in the community.

Lester married Elaine Neie in 1966 and they had 55 years together. They had one son, Dean, who passed away in 2010.

Lester was preceded in death by his son and his parents.

Lester is survived by his wife, Elaine; brother Jerry, sister Ruth as well as many nieces and nephews.

Throughout all the many jobs Lester had, he always thought of himself as a "cowboy."

Services will be held at Hood Mortuary Chapel, 1261 E. 3rd Ave., Durango and burial afterwards at Ignacio (East) Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, you can make a contribution to your favorite charity in memory of Lester McCoy.