George Ross Durant was born May 29, 1917, in Leon County, Texas. He passed away on Jan. 3, 2013, in Huntsville, Ala. at the age of 95.

Ross was raised on a farm and ranch in rural southeast Texas, joined the CCC's (Civilian Conservation Corps) in the 1930's and was assigned to Mesa Verde National Park, working on some of the original infrastructure of the park. He married Cora Ava Freeman of Mancos, moved to Rico as a miner and electrician and later to Dove Creek to run the Denny and Jones dealership there. He was mayor of both Rico and Dove Creek. Ava passed in 1962 and Ross ended up back in Rico in the mine. He married Lee Morton of Cortez in 1970, moved to Telluride as an electrician in the mine, then back to Cortez upon retirement in 1979.

Ross is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lee of Huntsville; son, Robert (Donna) Durant of Cortez; stepchildren, Curtis (Nancy) Morton of Huntsville, Anna (Clinton) Taylor of Weatherford, Texas, Duane (Irene) Morton of Grand Junction, Colo. and Vickie (Tim) Ward of Cool, Calif.; one brother, Joe (Lois) Durant of Palestine, Texas; 15 grandchildren and step-grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; numerous nephews and nieces; and by many friends.

Preceding him were his parents; four brothers; four sisters; and his first wife, Ava.

Ross was a 60-plus year member of the Masonic Lodge. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping and cooking over an open fire. He loved his kids and grandchildren and will be missed by many.

Cremation has occurred and a small service will be held in Huntsville on Sunday, Jan. 13. A service will be scheduled in Colorado at a later date and he will ultimately be laid to rest in Mancos.