John Champagne

John Joseph Champagne, 69, died Friday, April 4, 2014 in Durango, Colorado. Cremation will occur at Hood Mortuary Crematory in Durango. Celebration of Life will be held at the Champagne residence at 115 Alamo Drive in Durango on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mr. Champagne was a friend of Bill W. and memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous.
Mr. Champagne was born February 14, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Anthony and Lillian Champagne. Mr. Champagne grew up in Chicago and attended schools there. He graduated from Oak Park-River Forest High School in 1963. Upon graduation, he attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, as an undergraduate, studying Finance. He then attended Kent College in Chicago and graduated with a law degree. He began practicing in 1976 for the State of Illinois. He remained there until the late 1990's. He then had a private practice for a few years. He moved to the Durango area about 2 years ago, to be closer to his son and grandchildren.
He enjoyed an array of outdoor activities: Sailing, skiing, bike riding, walking his dogs. He enjoyed his convertibles, animals, children, and helping others. He attended Sunday church services at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Chicago and also locally at St. Columba Catholic Church.
John was a playful, generous, kind, smiling soul. He had a deep love for his family and friends and a contagious love of life that touched all those around him.
He so deeply loved his wife Christine, his son, Christian and his daughter-in-law, Katy and grandchildren, Mila and Evan. Also his daughter Amanda, his first wife, Sarah, stepdaughter, Anna and all the cousins, nieces and nephews in the Chicago land area. “His death was peaceful and now he rests in the loving light of those who preceded him in death. Goodbye Johnny, we love you, we honor your life and thank you for the many wonderful memories you gave us. We will cherish them forever. We look to the day that we join you in eternal light,” fondly states his family.