Ivan Naranjo Shipps

On April 3, 2013, former Durango resident, Ivan Matthew Naranjo Shipps, died at his dwelling in Silver City, N.M., from the medical consequences of alcoholism. Ivan was born at Community Hospital in Durango on June 27, 1971. He attended public schools in Durango and graduated from Durango High School in 1989. Following high school graduation, he and his companion in life, Jennifer Eldridge, travelled throughout Europe. Shortly after their return, Ivan briefly attended Fort Lewis College, but moved to Colorado Springs, where he joined Jennifer, who was attending Colorado College. Following her graduation, they returned together to Durango, where he worked as a carpenter on several residential construction projects in the Durango area. Subsequently, they both moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, where Ivan attended the University of British Columbia. After several years in British Columbia, Ivan and Jennifer returned to the Southwest, and most recently resided in Silver City, New Mexico. As a young man, Ivan enjoyed making films with several of his classmates and friends, and those early experiences led to a life-long interest in independent films, including attendance at the Durango Independent Film Festival. While in high school, he also developed a serious interest in bicycle road racing and participated competitively in the Durango Iron Horse Classic. He loved the outdoors and exploring new places with Jennifer and their dogs in their pop-up camper. He had a remarkable sense of humor, and was known as a kind and considerate person. Ivan is survived by his companion, Jennifer Eldridge; by his parents, Lucy and Tom Shipps of Durango, and his sister, Kate Potemkin of Durango. He was a member of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and is also survived by his biological father, Terrence Naranjo, and his half-brother, Joseph Naranjo and half-sister, Lanay Naranjo. No services are currently scheduled, but a memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced.