Cover photo for E.D. Theriot's Obituary
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1925 E.D. 2018

E.D. Theriot

August 15, 1925 — July 4, 2018

On Wednesday, July 4th 2018, E.D. Theriot passed peacefully in his sleep and Cabela's stock plummeted. He was born on August 15th 1925, in Sausillito, California. Affectionately known as Theriot to his many friends and family, he was a true Renaissance man. He was fond of telling people that he only had an eighth grade education, even though his mind was a steel trap with numbers; as evidenced by his favorite parlor trick where he would multiply figures in his head faster than a calculator.

He was extremely proud of his service in World War II onboard the USS Hunter Liggett. Upon his return he married now deceased Lynell Cox; whom he lovingly referred to as "The best cook there ever was".

He started his first of many business ventures with the opening of Valley Auto Body in Bakersfield, California. His resourcefulness and confidence led him to partner with Rich Richardson in Albuquerque, NM and start Rich Ford Motors. When he moved to Durango he built the Vagabond Motel and Thunderbird Trading Post. His ventures also included Durango's first laundromat and the TP Lumber on Camino Del Rio. He was the first to develop Crestview into a residential neighborhood as well building the first townhouses and condos in Durango. His legacy as a contractor can still be seen today in the many homes he built around Durango. In 1966 he set his sights on Las Vegas, Nevada where his "Mr. Ice" commercial ice plant provided ice to the casinos and the Union Pacific Railroad. He retired at 53 to Bayfield, Colorado, where he developed Theriot Ranch, and he became well known for his quality hay.

He was a rebel and had a trademark feistiness that was only matched by his resolute stubbornness and wry sense of humor. He was a model of strong will and determination right up until the end of his journey here on earth. He also had many loves, his dogs Max and Sophie, and the friends he made hunting and fishing on his ranch. At one time a proficient goose hunter, he gave up the sport when he found out that they mate for life. He was an avid hunter and fly fisherman who taught others to respect the game by not wasting any single life he caught and remained an advocate for the animals all his life.

Theriot was known for his timeless words of wisdom including "If you're going to go, go first class" and, paradoxically "If you can't afford it, do without it." He was generous to a fault, and he was rewarded with many lifelong friendships. He was the youngest son of deceased E.D. Theriot Sr. and Lilly Alma, he is preceded in death by his sister Katherine Devlin, and survived by his three children Randy Lester Theriot, Mitchell Theriot, and Michele Theriot, nine grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Bayfield Cemetery on July 14th at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers he requested donations to be made to the Upper Pine River Fire Department for their friendship, compassion and bravery.






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