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Jon Geer Obituary
Just think... I will never live long enough to be considered a crusty old gray haired man...just crusty.
Jon
Jon wrote his own obituary. What follows is in his own words, mostly.
This notice will seem" odd" to a good number of people I have run into casually around town. The comment I heard most was "you look good", you can't be sick, you will be fine. These things can seem to dismiss my reality. I was very sick. My diagnosis came as "I'm sorry" from oncology. A definitive terminal diagnosis is a whole different animal. Hard to put in words.
At least I will be a good looking corpse!
It is weird to know you are going to die and to try and tell about who you were. I am going to put down a few musings that I feel defines me and let those who knew me fill in the rest.
Most important was my marriage to Linda, the home we built (rebuilt) together, our pets, the wild croquet parties, skiing together, and the back yard garden. A happy home.
I was the guy who followed my dog Willie downtown on "our " morning coffee run. He chose the route and I gladly followed.
For whatever reason I could grow a full beard at the drop of a hat. I confounded many by changing my appearance often. Really...I was just lazy about shaving! The one thing that really sucks about chemo is that prevented me from growing a decent beard ever again. AAAARRRRRrrrrrgggg!
What I loved the most was skiing, a lifetime of learning and loving the sport. I was quite good at it. It was a lifetime passion, I made it out every year at least once even when it was difficult. 59 years, including during cancer treatments when I made a few wobbly 1/2 runs at Chapman. It would be impossible to not say I will miss this activity the most. (but I'm dead and don't know the difference)
I loved the outdoors, especially the trails everywhere in our diverse area, for hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, running, walking, and just enjoying nature. I did shoot wildlife.... but only with a camera. I went my entire life and never saw a mountain lion. I had hoped to remove this sentence before pushing up flowers.
I did building for clients, top notch work down to the mundane. It made me a living.
I never ever once purchased an item from Walmart. I tried to buy locally, always.
I miss Hogans, Boker, The Red Snapper, Old Tymer's, and The Palace. Times change, that is okay, but sometimes we lose the best.
As the end was getting here, I got busy, dumped chemo, and went about fulfilling the 'Bucket List 'with much help from friends and family. Taking a solo trip to Hawaii to try to surf. A trip to Europe with old friend, Mike Olson, to catch a stage of the Tour de France. Finishing with brother, Garth, in Iceland on a helicopter tour of the Island.
Rewarding and distracting. Well worth it!!
Cancer is an insidious disease. I, for unknown reasons, had the bad karma to have two distinct cancers that were incurable. Metastatic Prostrate Cancer and more recently Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer. Unassociated and not environmental. One of them got me. - expliative-
I know people love to donate. It will make you feel better so here is how I can help in that. Please consider a meaningful donation to the American Cancer Society, St. Jude’s or any cancer research program. I led a life. Kids sometimes don't get to. Give them a chance.
Flowers are only good for mounds and goats! And of course....I won't know the difference ( but my goat might) Help a cancer patient !!!
In memory simply ski a run, ride a loop, take a yoga class, run or hike your favorite mountain trail (it was probably one of my favs as well!) , or take your dog for a walk and try to train it to get your morning coffee.
Jon
Jon was born in Denver, lived in Boulder til age seven then moving to Durango where he spent most of his life. He graduated from The University of Colorado, Boulder with a degree in Architectural Engineering.
Jon is survived by his brothers Drew, Stuart, Garth and their families, and by his father, Dick. And, it should be mentioned, his cats, Otis and Squirt. He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda, and his mother, Caye.
As per Jon's wishes no services will be held.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jon Geer
Scott Tobias
March 28, 2025
One peruses the "InMemorium" section of the alumni magazine looking asquint, ready to flinch. I just did that flinch, ran to the computer and pulled up a picture of Jon and his handlebar mustache , dip tucked in the lower lip - just like I remember him - and my wife and I read his auto-obituary together and are just both so sad that the good go so soon and it seems like the bad just carry on making things worse.
I don't think that Jon would even remember me, but man did you remember him. I swear to God that in the 40 years since I last crossed paths with him I have been in situations where I have had to make a choice between blunt and diplomatic and have seen Jon shaking his head as I took the easy path. At 23 Jon certainly didn't suffer fools and I'm sure that didn't change through the years. I'm grateful that he occasionally suffered me. Condolences to Jon's family, close friends, and to Durango for this loss. Dang.
John Karcher
March 20, 2025
I just heard about this. I lived across the hall freshman year of college. He always cracked me up. My condolences to his family.
Rob Haukeness
December 15, 2024
After moving away from Durango, I returned for a motorcycle trip. As sitting in front of the Durango Coffee Company, he recognized me sitting in my chair, walking his wonderful dog. We chatted about the old days when we knew most everyone on Main, and how now we didn´t know anyone. I´m thankful that I knew Jon from Purgatory ski team days, bending to the will of Udo Dorfner, the coach imported from Austria that would drive us hard to ski faster. Jon and Drew were always better skiers than I was, but the memories of the downhill camps and practices at Hesperus ski area will always be remembered. God bless and God speed, Jon.
john silva
October 20, 2024
Jon wrote his own obituary and he did a great job! My thoughts to all friends and family!
JERRIN ROUKEMA
October 11, 2024
you will be missed . you really did look good
Sherrill Smith Coster
October 7, 2024
Jon & Linda were the very best next door neighbors on 5th Avenue. We watched in awe as the two of them brought their house back to life. Dear people who we miss.
Jim Horvat
October 4, 2024
I didn't know Jon to well and hadn't seen him probably since HS but I remember when I was a kid I house sat for Dr Geer and his family on a Saturday when they were out competing in a cycling race.
I'll remember Jon fondly
Drew
October 2, 2024
I was able to say my goodbyes to my brother a month a go in the most fitting way - a 5 mile hike up Lime Creek. He lived his life with passion and zeal, and pulled together enough strength to continue what he loved until his end. He died too early but will never really leave us. With every hike, every ski run or bike ride around the Animal Valley he is there. He lived his life with confidence and grace and left this world the same way. In his self authored obituary he mentioned his love of skiing, stating "I was quite good at it". Indeed he was. Jon was the guy that everyone on the lift turned their heads to watch him ski. I have memories of being so happy following him turn for turn, lost in the flow, the happiness and the peace of the moment. It was magical to ski with Jon. I am so proud of my brother. I love him and miss him.
Carrie
October 2, 2024
Jon, We will miss you and your smile and sense of humor!
I know you and Linda are together again!
Love Carrie
Sonja Emery Walker
October 2, 2024
I was on ski team with Jon. When he came to Toni and Katie´s Ear, Nose & Throat Cancer Support Group I learned about the loss of his beloved wife Linda to cancer and his own dreadful terminal cancer diagnosis. He spoke so tenderly of his dear Linda. I went to visit him with my friend and Jon told us about his bucket list of adventures that he was able to fit in the last few days of his life. He was generous to a T, treating friends and neighbors to dinner. I will remember Jon fondly. I do hope he and Linda are reunited now in bliss. God speed, Jon.
Your friend,
Sonja Emery Walker
William Nutt
October 2, 2024
I remember John when he lived up Junction Creek and it´s funny that this comes across at this time. I was thinking about him about two weeks ago. I looked on Facebook, but I could never find him. I think he was above that but he´s a very, very smart man and he will be missed, he´ll never be forgotten, but he will be missed RIP John Geer
Diana Crawford
October 2, 2024
Why am I not surprised that Jon wrote his obit? I loved every time he walked into my office to get his eye exam or just get his glasses adjusted. He had a spirit like no one I've ever met and I instantly fell in love with him.
When he was diagnosed with cancer at the same time his wife had it he still had that cute smile and just dealt with life as it came as unfair as it had become. We have sat at my desk and just talked about what was happening in his life. I would call him to see how he was doing and what adventure he had taken off the bucket list. I've never met anyone like Jon and tears fell when I discovered my friend was gone. My goofy friend with the boyish charm I will never forget.
Jon, your struggles are over and I pray you and your wife are dancing together once again.
Much Love from High Country Optical - Diana Crawford
Bob Brown
October 2, 2024
God's speed, Jon. I remeber being on ski team with you back in the 70s. Yes, you were an outstanding skiier and athlete. My condolences to the Geer family.
Barb Wolfe
October 1, 2024
Barb Wolfe
October 1, 2024
John had ritual and rhythm in the neighborhood.
Walking Linda to the Episcopal Church.
His dog, Willie walking him to coffee every morning.
Walking up the Nature Trail or cruising by on his bicycle.
His walk in the hood was slow, deliberate and open to neighborly conversation.
The neighborhood lost Willy.
The neighborhood lost Linda.
We have lost Jon.
There is a bit of a lonesome quiet in the neighborhood.
What echoes for me in Jon´s death is;
Go a little slower
Take your time
Say hello to all you pass
Be a good neighbor to all.
He WAS.
You are missed.
Godspeed.
Barb Wolfe
Victor
October 1, 2024
I'll miss Jon around downtown, way more than when he was working. Rest in peace good man!
Sweetie Marbury
October 1, 2024
I knew we would lose Jon. But it came too soon. Sure do miss him . Glad I knew him . A big teddy bear.
Katherine Reynolds
October 1, 2024
I knew Jon very casually when we shared a few comments during meal train visits to his home for his wife, Linda, or when he met her after choral society rehearsals..his care and concern for Linda were always foremost, his love and devotion to her more important than his own problems. Never did I hear him complain and he kept up his activities as I recall until just a short time ago, handling adversity with charm and grace..rest in peace, Jon..lux aeterna..
Garth
September 30, 2024
I am so glad that I got to make some turns with Jon this February. Having no idea that would be his final ski day, I´ll remember it always - and will think of Jon during every trip to the mountains. Equally cherished will be Jon´s stellar and brave acceptance of his circumstances. When we realized a final ski trip to Chile would not happen, the pivot to Iceland - I am confident - added a quality, a spark, and maybe even a few days or weeks to his life. It was truly amazing. He will always be remembered. Einstok!!!!
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