Gerford Carver

Durango resident Gerford “Red” Chester Carver, 82, died at Mercy Medical Center on January 2, 2012. The cause of death was complications from esophageal cancer.

The eldest of three children, Red was born to Gertrude and Chester Carver on July 11, 1929 in Battle Creek, Mich. Due to his farm boy ethics and brilliant mind, he completed engineering school at Michigan Tech University in three years. He then completed his Master’s degree in Automotive Engineering at the Chrysler Institute. As a distinguished member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, Red designed innovative truck frames that contribute to vehicle safety to this day, including the largest selling truck model, the Ford F-series pick-up frame.

He served as a Sergeant in the Army during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. He married his beloved wife of fifty years, Eleanor Ann Dunne Carver of Detroit, Mich., in 1955. Settling in Whitefish Bay, Wis., together with their six children, Red and Eleanor kindled a love of nature and respect for others. As a ski instructor, part of his lesson was an on-slope lunch break of apples and sharp cheddar cheese.

Red and Eleanor moved to Durango in 1996 to enjoy outdoor adventures with their sons Bill Carver and Jim Carver of Carver Brewing Co. According to his son Jim, once you open a brewpub, your family ends up coming here. As a member of the “Brickhouse Geezers,” he and his ornery colleagues met to solve the troubles of the time. Red made fruit leather for Utah bike rides, ski slope snacks, and encouraging his grandchildren to stop by to listen to fascinating stories about "Daddy Red." Red was Eleanor’s primary caregiver until she died of complications of Alzheimer’s disease in 2006.

With his love of physics, he knew that exploring mechanical devices can inspire a pursuit of knowledge, so Red was an early supporter of the Durango Discovery Museum.

Once widowed, Red met and fell in love with Betty Annis of Albuquerque, N.M. Red and Betty treasured their time together, walking their dog Tippy, and keeping an eye on the local wildlife. With Betty's energetic love of life, she even got Red to travel again.

Preceding him in death was a son, John Robert Carver, in 1987 and Eleanor "Ma El" Carver in 2006. He is survived by his partner, Betty Annis of Durango, son Jim Carver and his wife Lori Carver of Durango, son Bill Carver of Durango; daughter Sara Carver and husband Doug Parmentier of Durango, daughter Meg Carver of Yellow Springs, Ohio; and daughter Beth Kramer and husband Jack Kramer of Littleton, Colo.; sister Vernabelle Carver of Durango; daughter-in-law Charmaine Carver Morgan, 14 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, January 7, 2012, at the Durango Discovery Museum, 1333 Camino Del Rio. Memorial contributions may be made to the Durango Discovery Museum. E-mail blessings may be sent to www.hoodmortuary.com.