Bryan Hight

Ignacio resident Bryan Lee Hight died Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011, at his home of an ongoing illness. He was 39.

Mr. Hight was born Oct. 29, 1971, to Josephine Howe and Bradley Hight in Cortez. He graduated from Ignacio High School.

An enrolled member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Mr. Hight worked for the Southern Ute Tribe repairing homes and doing other construction-related work. He also was a driver for the Health Services Department.

His aunt, Venni Valdez, was like a second mother to him, introducing him to his lifelong passions of music and the Dallas Cowboys. He also loved the Colorado Rockies.

In addition to pool and golf, Mr. Hight enjoyed playing black jack and dominos. His other favorite hobbies included listening to music, watching movies at home and going fishing with his family.

"Bryan was a big teddy bear with an enormous sense of humor and enjoyed playing jokes," his family said.

His young nieces and nephews enjoyed spending time with him, the family said.

Mr. Hight is survived by his mother, Josephine Howe of Ignacio; father, Bradley Hight of Towaoc; brother, Robert Hight of Farmington; sisters, Danielle Hight and Carolyne Washington, both of Ignacio; grandparents Sylvia and Barbara Valdez of Ignacio; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A wake will take place at 7 p.m. today, Aug. 29, 2011, at the family home located at 715 County Road. 517 in Ignacio.

A service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug, 30, 2011, at the Southern Ute Memorial Chapel, 258 Ute Road in Ignacio.

Reprinted from the Durango Herald.