John David Brown

John David Brown, resident of Durango, Colorado and Sun City West, Arizona, died peacefully of cancer surrounded by his loving family. He departed this world from the beautiful mountain cabin at Electra Lake which he shared with his wife of 47 years. John was born in Durango, Colorado in 1935, attended St. Columba School and graduated from Durango High School in 1953. He attended Fort Lewis College (the 'Old Fort') and Colorado State University where he graduated with a degree in industrial construction management in 1960. He later earned his certification as a civil engineer. John always looked for ways to serve others, and shortly after graduating he was commissioned as second Lieutenant in the Colorado National Guard. He was later honored with the Soldier of the Year Award. John's professional career was with the US Bureau of Reclamation where he spent 35 years working in Durango, Montrose, CO, Boulder City NV, Arlington VA, Denver, CO and Sacramento, CA. He had a leadership role developing many of the water resource projects throughout the southwest, including Durango's Animas LaPlata Project, the Central Arizona Project and the Hoover Dam Bypass route. He retired as Assistant Regional Director in 1990. Above all, John's true devotion and focus in life was his family. He married Eileen Haffey of Durango CO in 1960 and together they raised four children: Charlie, Elizabeth, Patrick and Edward. He was the proud grandfather to Amber, Emily, Daniel, Bridget, Aidan, Anna and Andrew. His strong family bond extends to son-in-law Michael and daughters-in-law Shannon and Stacey. His profound presence in the lives of his family members made an impact beyond words and his powerful and dignified walk through life leaves behind a truly beautiful imprint on their hearts and minds. John generously gave of his time and talents to the communities in which he lived and the Catholic parishes he attended. He received many professional and public honors throughout his life including Boulder City Outstanding Young Man, Outstanding Young Man of Nevada and Distinguished Alumni of Fort Lewis College. He was passionately involved in the Knights of Columbus and as a Fourth Degree member, he gladly took on leadership roles as Colorado District Deputy and four-time past Grand Knight. He was a past president of the St. Columba Parish Council and in 2006 chaired the publication committee for the St. Columba 125th Anniversary commemorative book. He also served as the chair of the Electra Lake Sporting Club board of directors leading the club through a series of critical improvements and stabilization.. John was preceded in death by his mother, Maude, father, Percy and brothers Ken and William. He is survived by his sisters Margaret, Thelma, Mary and Barbara, and his brothers Ed (Greta) and Don (Ann) and sisters in law Marianne (Richard) and Patty. A man of impeccable integrity and enduring faith - John - our husband, father, grandfather and brother will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed. As sure as the eagle soars, we know that you will not be far away. A Rosary and viewing will be held at 6:00 pm, Friday August 24 at St. Columba Parish. A Mass in celebration of John's life will take place at 12:30 pm on Saturday August 25 at St. Columba Parish. Burial will follow at Greenmount Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed toward a local Hospice, St. Columba School Adopt a Student Program (Durango), the Franciscan Renewal Center (Paradise Valley) or the Lance Armstrong Foundation.