Thomas Dugan Obituary

Longtime Bayfield and recent Ignacio resident Thomas Martin Dugan died Feb. 21, 2013, in Durango of natural causes.

He was born Dec. 29, 1934, in Byers. to John and Bertha Dugan and graduated in 1952 from Deer Trail High School in Deer Trail.

Mr. Dugan married the former Betty Wright on June 1, 1953, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Deer Trail. Not only were the couple married for 60 years, but they knew each other since the third grade and courted throughout high school, his family said.

He was a longtime resident of Bayfield until they moved to Florida to enjoy sunshine, but then they moved back to the Bayfield-Ignacio area and have always considered Bayfield their home.

Mr. Dugan was a proud grocery man, and he spent his life working hard in the grocery business, his family said. Before moving to Florida, he was part owner of the Grocery Store at Bayfield, his family said.

He also was an active member in the Lions Club and the Bayfield community where he dedicated much of his time and energy organizing sports actives for youth.

Mr. Dugan was an avid sportsman and a diehard Rockies and Broncos fan as well.

His family called Mr. Dugan "a loving husband and a devoted father. He was a man of honor, friendly and hardworking."

Mr. Dugan is survived by his wife, Betty, of Ignacio; a son, David Dugan of Palm Springs, Calif.; six daughters: Debra Stump of Phoenix, Deanna Starbuck of Flora Vista, N.M., Dalinda Lucero of Grand Junction, Denise Ritter of Bayfield, Donnita St. Amour of Stafford, Va., and Dolores Tamalonis of Bandon, Ore.; plus 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Mr. Dugan will be cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date.