Roy Denton "Coco" Durand

1958 - 2025

BORN

1958

DIED

2025

Roy Durand Obituary

Name: Service for Roy Denton "Coco" Durand
Start: 2025-01-22T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Abundant Life Church

Roy Durand entered eternal life on January 11, 2025, in Yuma, Arizona. He was
born to Stacy Durand and Cecilie Montague on the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian
Reservation. He attended school at San Pasqual Valley School where he earned his high school diploma.

After high school, he attended Arizona Western College. During his high school years, he excelled as a student athlete in sports, such as wrestling and football, which lead to his induction into the San Pasqual Valley High School Football Hall of Fame in 2020. He was proud to be recognized for his part in the 1976 undefeated record, better known as the perfect season. Growing up Roy enjoyed spending time with all his cousins and making memories.

He began his professional career under an apprenticeship as a plumber with the Quechan Indian Tribe. Later transitioning to work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a Firefighter, where he dedicated 14 years of service. As a firefighter, he traveled throughout the country fighting major forest fires. He then moved on to work for the Quechan Indian Tribe as a landscaper, maintenance man, and finally retired in 2010 as grounds keeper.

Roy loved being outdoors and enjoyed working with his crew. In 2011, Roy began his journey to become an
ordained Minister. His devoted faith and strong beliefs lead him to pursue his calling.

His true pride and joy in life was his family, which included his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Better known as Grandpa Coco to all of us. He was a father, husband, brother, uncle, cousin, and lifelong Raiders fan.

He enjoyed listening to his classic rock n roll and worship music. He demonstrated his passion for music, by playing the drums for the 696 Project with his brother Todd, and friends, Brad, Dave, Dwayne, and many other musicians.

Roy is survived by his wife Gloria; children, Nathaniel Emerson Jr., Robert Emerson, Brandon Durand, Kristy White, Kimberly Durand and Kailah Durand; grandchildren, Loveleigh Durand, Cianna Durand-Silva, and Codah Durand-Silva; mother, Cecile Rodriguez (Joe); brother, Vincent Todd Durand (Iris); sister Oralee Durand (Derrick), as well as many extended family members who loved him dearly.

He is preceded in death by his father; Stacy Durand; brother Sheldon Durand Sr.; paternal grandparents Marie Penn and Harold Durand; maternal grandparents, Cecilia Bryant, and James Montague.

Pallbearers are Nathaniel Emerson Jr, Robert, Emerson, Brandon Durand, Codah Durand-Silva, Solomon Durand, Matthew Juan, Damien Durand, Sheldon Durand Jr., Maxx Durand, Lionel Montague Jr., Joseph Montague, David Montague, Ernest Lumas Jr., Chase Choate, and Tudor Montague.

Honorary Pallbearers are Vincent Todd Durand, James Montague, Bruce Montague, Lionel Montague Sr., Alton Montague, John Montague, Michael Montague Sr., Alfred Tatro, James Jackson Sr., Neil Hill Jr, Micheal Fish, Devon Lopez, Boyd Hill Jr., Steven Hill, Juan Castanuela, Carlos Castanuela, John Esperanza Jr., Richard Galvan, Bradley Massey Sr., Carl Emerson, Phil Emerson Sr., Joe Rodriguez Sr., Ernest Stevens, Mike Jackson Sr., Mickey Jackson Jr., Ed Hill Sr., Joe Waco, John Shepard, Rodrick Hart, Lonnie Gilmore, Lavern Gilmore, Lamuel Porter, Malachi Allen, Damon Polk, Jordan Joaquin, Virgil Smith, Bob Lowe, Steve Sowers, Pastor William Hunter and Pastor Bruce Williams.

Viewing will be held at Abundant Life Church on Wednesday January 22, 2025, with services beginning at 1:00 pm; officiated by Pastor Vincent Todd Durand.

Tribal ceremonial rites will follow at the Quechan Indian Reservation Big House. Cremation will be Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 5:00 am.

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Yuma Sun from Jan. 21 to Jan. 22, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Roy Durand

5 Entries

Norma Jaime Medart

February 17, 2025

Roy you were one of my first friends in kindergarten. Glad we went though all 13 years of school together. RIP my friend . Norma

Gail (Brown) Johns

January 24, 2025

To the of family of Roy as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Roy was the most friendliest person I have known throughout high school, cousin Roy will be deeply missed, I will cherish the memories that he had shared with myself and others. My deepest condolences to his mother and the family, my prayers are with you. You have entered the gates of heaven and now may you rest. God Bless Love Gail (Brown) Johns

Pete Martinez, Class of 76

January 22, 2025

Take your rest Warrior! until the Lord calls us to the last reunion. I was proud to have served as co-captain of SPHS Class of '76, Warriors Football Team with you.You were one of the hardest hitting linemen I've ever known even after later playing Football in the Army, yet off the field a most humble person. We had some great memories starting back in grade school and will cherish forever. Condolences to family, friends and classmates on the passing of this great man.

Deborah O'Brien

January 21, 2025

Roy was a good person. He was there when I fell down the back if Indian hill walking home from the hospital on top of the hill. He saw me falling and was there at the bottom of the hill when I rolled to a stop. He helped me up and put me in his truck and took me back up the hill to get checked out at the hospital. Love you Roy I will miss you greatly.

Shari Mattias

January 21, 2025

I remember the day you met Loveleigh. The love that flowed from you when you saw your first granddaugher was so beautiful. I will never for get your face and that beautiful smile. It was wonderful to know you. You will be missed.

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