Jeffrey Deitch

Jeffrey L. Deitch, 60, son of Jerome and Liesel Deitch, a longtime resident of Durango, Colorado, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, June 25, 2017 in Durango.

He was born in Washington D.C., raised in Silver Springs, Maryland, attended and graduated from Stanford University. Jeff went on to attend and graduate from Vanderbilt University Law school and was on the law review. Jeff wore many hats, and assumed many roles since he arrived in Durango in the 1970’s. He worked as a KDGO radio as a disk jockey, a broadcast news TV journalist for local Durango TV, a lawyer, a political activist who ran for a seat in the state legislature, a writer, a playwright, actor, director, producer, and local musician. He also co-owned and operated Oscar’s restaurant with his brother Mark in downtown Durango years ago. He was known to many people in Durango and admired widely for his wit, humor, compassion and creativity. Jeff loved to make people laugh out loud, in person, and on stage, but also make people think hard about life, love, relationships and community. He entertained many as a musician, actor, and playwright, and received acclaim for his talent and accomplishments. As a serious lawyer, he fought hard to help as many people as he could, with the tools he had, to help many people have a better life. Later in his life, after retiring as a lawyer, he traveled the world, conducting wine tours of Germany, and studied and received accreditation as a wine expert. He was fluent in German, had detailed knowledge of German wine history, and loved sharing it with his friends and tour groups. Jeff loved being involved in the Jewish community, and was highly involved in Congregation Har Shalom of Durango over the last 20 years. Most of all Jeff loved his many friends and fans. He brought joy to many from his unique talents, humor and wit, but mostly from just being Jeff. We will all miss his infectious smile and friendship.

He is survived by his brother Mark Deitch, sister Marcia Kalman, and nieces and nephews.

Services and interment will be graveside at Greenmount Cemetery on Friday, June 30, 2017 at 2PM. Spiritual Lay leader Lisa Smith of Har Shalom will be officiating.