Linda Gann

Linda Lee Gann, 57, passed away on January 12, 2021 surrounded by family at her home in Littleton, Colorado. Linda was born on January 16, 1963, in Durango, Colorado to Leland and Donna Burr. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Christopher, daughter Amy Quick and her husband Paul, son Mark Gann and his wife Katie, and two grandsons. She is also survived by her twin sister, Betty Aten and her mother Donna Burr.

As an identical twin, Linda and her sister Betty were best friends before they were born, and their closeness was evident throughout their lives. Always playful, when she was young, Linda would find creative ways to break the rules and have the blame placed on her twin sister.

At 20, Linda met her future husband while working at a delicatessen in Durango. She pursued him when he joined the Navy and moved to Los Angeles prior to boot camp where he proposed to her. After knowing nothing but small town life, Linda showed her character when she became a "Navy wife." She adapted to big city life in Southern California, navigated the military bureaucracy, survived multiple moves, and raised two young children with a husband who was out to sea for long stretches of time.

Linda and her family moved back to Durango after the military. Once again Linda showed her strength of character by successfully juggling work and family while supporting her husband as he finished college. In order to balance daycare and work, Linda worked the graveyard shift at City Market.

In 1990, Linda and her family moved to the Denver metro area, where Linda was finally able to focus most of her time and energy raising her young children.

As her children grew, Linda was able to go back to school and get an associate's degree as a paralegal. After finishing school, Linda eventually settled on a career at an engineering firm. Her dedication, attention to detail, creativity, organizational skills and ability to manage project deadlines allowed her to thrive.
Linda took great pride in everything she did, and strove to do it better than anyone could imagine. Her skill and passion as a portrait photographer left many family memories to share. She was sought out by her friends and colleagues to photograph their families as well.

Whether it was photography, event planning, or home improvement projects, Linda was a creative problem-solver who would spend hours on the smallest detail to get it exactly right. She was highly competitive; it didn't matter what the challenge was, Linda always strove to come out on top—even if the odds were not in her favor. Linda was "practically perfect in every way."

Linda was always moving forward towards new possibilities and new adventures. She never backed down from a challenge, and was able to overcome her fears and doubts, whether climbing mountains, kayaking with orcas far from shore, zip lining, river rafting, snorkeling in the open ocean, sleeping in a treehouse, helicopter and small plane rides, jumping out of a plane for her 50th birthday, or tackling a difficult work or home project.

Linda loved history and sought out old mansions, lighthouses, cultural sights to learn the stories that made those places come alive. When traveling, Linda wanted to bask in the local culture and get to know the people, not just play the typical tourist.

When you were with Linda, you were the center of her attention, and you became the most important person in the room. More than anything, she enjoyed making others happy. She was always polite and respectful of others' feelings. She went out of her way to make family gatherings special for each and every person. Linda was a best friend to many in her life. Of all the things Linda was most proud of, and made her the happiest, was seeing her children blossom into successful and happy adults.

With Linda's passing, we have lost an extraordinary friend, mother, wife, and daughter. Her spirit lives on in her children and grandchildren who are blessed with her big beautiful eyes, winning smile, infectious laughter, sense of fun and love for life. Information about her memorial can be found at https://everloved.com/life-of/linda-gann. Please join her family for a graveside service on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 1pm at Greenmount Cemetery, 900 Cemetery Road, Durango, CO.