In Memory*

Randy Duran

Randy Duran

It was reported that Randy Duran passed away at his home in Westcliff, Colorado on January 19, 2017.



 
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02/01/17 12:32 PM #1    

Ray Gere

I hearken back to 1971 -- the last time I ever saw Randy, as well as the last time I ever saw John Moser. They, and John's sister Teri, who was also Randy's then-wife, and Michael David "Big Daddy" Perry had spent a few days with me in my tiny LA apartment.  Thankfully, I still have those wonderful memories of Disneyland and of the beaches and of yelling "hurry up" to the person hogging the bathroom and of cleaning out sand from my car and apartment for weeks thereafter -- but mostly of the joy and laughter and songs we shared.  John died a couple of years later.  I lost track of the others.

Although I'm ambivalent toward social media, I am so thankful Randy found me on Facebook about five years ago.  We were able to reconnect and communicated through emails, Christmas letters, and a few phone conversations.  Although we never again got together in person, we were able to share lots -- including his advice on the DJ requirements for our 50th Reunion.  We remembered the past, talked about what we'd done in our 40-year gap, hoped to get together one day soon at one of our "cribs" and to meet each other's "Squeeze," and expressed our friendship and love.  His death comes as a shock and I grieve, but with the consoling knowledge that he knew that I loved him and all those whom he loved.

Big Daddy and I met again at the Reunion, and we still communicate via the VHS64 website.  I told Randy of seeing Big Daddy and we recalled the LA trip and reminded each other of incidents the other had forgotten.  That visit, and those folks, really loom large in my heart at the moment.

Randy always used the term, "this mortal coil."  He tested me when we first spoke on the phone -- though I may be a cleric, he made sure I that understood (with the use of certain strong expletives) that he had no use for organized religion.  I matched him expletive for expletive in agreeing with his assessment that the "Church" has indeed often added to the burdens of this life, and he relaxed and we went forward.  Suffice it to say that, prior to his shuffling off this mortal coil, he made said coil a lot better and happier place for many folks.  And, looking at his pics, there were even many furry and feathered friends who greatly benefitted as well.

My condolences and love to Jere and the children and grandchildren...and to the rest of us.

May Randy rest in peace.

Ray Gere


02/01/17 02:42 PM #2    

Dawn Higgins

So sad to hear of another classmate and friend now gone!!!  We all have very positive memories of Randy at Valley, and those lucky enough to remain friends have even more memories!!!  RIP in that great cosmos above!!! 


02/02/17 08:26 AM #3    

Geraldine 'Gerri' Rivera

We enjoyed his posts.  He was so playful with the language.  He seemed like such a happy guy and so in love with his music and the fact that two of his kids graduated from Berklee School of Music.  I hope he had a happy death and that Jere and the kids have felt comfort from his family and friends.


02/02/17 09:30 AM #4    

Gerry Breshears

Thanks for this great memorial of Randy. He was always a good guy to hang with back in VHS days. Gerry

 

 

 


02/02/17 11:29 AM #5    

Sally Mattingly (Abril)

I was shocked to hear of Randy's passing. He was such a good friend, and always called me on my birthdays. He joked with me constantly, but was always so devoted to his family. I loved hearing about their successes, and how much he loved and admired his wife, Jere. Oh how I will miss you Dooran!


02/02/17 01:55 PM #6    

Carolyn Bowra (Brasch)

So sorry to hear of Randy's passing. Will always remember our days in concert choir and the operettas. He was such an upbeat talented, and yes,crazy guy. I was always a little awkward and shy, but he had of putting me at ease and accepted. God speed. Keep things jumping. Sam

02/05/17 03:24 PM #7    

Leslie Fluke

We do the best homage to our dead when we live our lives most fully, even in the shadow of our loss.For each of our lives is worth the life of the whole world.

 

Birth is a beginning and death is a destination. And life is a journey.

From childhood to maturity and youth to age;

From innocence to awareness and ignorance to knowing;

From foolishness to discretion and then, perhaps, to wisdom;

From weakness to strength or strength to weakness. And often, back again;

From loneliness to love, from joy to gratitude, from pain to compassion,

From grief to understanding, from fear to faith,

From defeat to defeat to defeat. Until looking backward or ahead,

We see that victory lies not at some high place along the way,

But in having made the journey, stage by state a sacred pilgrimage.

Birth is a beginning and death is a destination.

And life is a journey, a sacred pilgrimage—to life everlasting.

(Rabbi Alvin Fine)

I hope Randy's journey was a hopeful, eventful and happy.  I shall remember a joyful part of his journey with us at Valley. (Say Og How are things in Glocca Morra".)


02/07/17 11:16 AM #8    

Gary Bland

I, too, was shocked on hearing of Randy's passing. I didn't really know him in HS but after the 50th reunion (which he didn't make because a on tour across the country), we somehow connected. He lived in Westcliff, a couple of hours south of me here in the Denver area. We shared a few e-mails and I gave him a call one day. He was heading home in his truck and said when he saw it was me he pulled over to talk. I'd bet we talked for a couple of hours, about our lives, Valley, the scuttlebutt on those he kept up with and past acquaintances (like our our old buddy, John Moser . . . may he rest in peace!). It was great fun. We planned on getting together but I never made it down there and then he called one day - they were coming up for a Bronco game and wanted to get together for lunch. Would have been fun but unfortunately I had other plans that day. Next thing I knew he was off to Austin for a few weeks so, sorry to say, we never really connected.
I loved the pictures he posted . . . looked like an Idyllic life up there in the Colorado mountains. Condolences to Randy's many family and friends.
Adios Amigo, Rest in Peace . . . Gary


03/19/17 11:59 AM #9    

Shari Weichman (Croker)

When I was told about Randy's passing, I couldn't believe it then and I still can't comprehend it.  We were part of the choral "family" of Mr. Robert Sheets (God Bless him), and had so many fond memories of making music together.  Randy had such a gift of musical talent.  We had reacquainted in the last few years because of our wonderful VHS Reunion website.  My hubby and I wanted to make a trip out to the mountains of Colorado to say hello to Randy, but we never made it.  He will always be remembered as a musical soul mate.  He gave me great advice in helping me get started with my music business.  My thoughts are with his wife, his children and grandchildren, all of whom he adored.  He loved Life in all its glory,  and I know he enjoyed every minute of his too - short life.  He will be missed by many.

Shari Weichman Croker

 


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