Anthony Teets

Anthony Robert Teets, 76, of Durango, CO entered the arms of our Lord on January 9, 2017, following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was lovingly surrounded by his wife, close friends and family at Four Corners Health Care.

Tony was born in Minnesota on September 16, 1940 to the late Robert I Teets & Maxine Teets. From Minnesota, the young family relocated to Orange, CA where Tony attended Orange public schools. After graduating from Orange High School in 1958, Tony entered the United States Navy as a Navy Seaman.
Tony married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Jean Eash. Sandy predeceased Tony in 2005. He is survived by his son, Anthony Roberts Jr. (Lisa) and their children, Kathryn, Caroline and Hobart. He is also survived by his daughter, Robin Gail Teets. Tony married Lorene Sue Bishop on July 29, 1995 who he is survived by as well as her son Joshua (Gabriela) and their children Ian and Sofia.

Tony was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed playing football for the Orange High varsity team, the Panthers. He then became active in powerlifting and won the National Title for Powerlifting, Master's Division, USPF, Irving, TX in 1987. Among his other interests, Tony enjoyed driving his father's Classic 1964 Ranchero, riding his Harley, playing Cribbage, reading, "lifting" with his personal trainer & friend, Don Roberts. Tony enjoyed watching films and rescuing animals of all types, including an eagle. He is also survived by his beloved dog, Bishop and two cats, Sooty & Whittemore. Whittemore enjoyed residing with his dad at Sunshine Gardens Assisted Living & was Tony's constant companion.

The family would like to especially thank Tony's trainer, Don Roberts who continued working with Tony for strength and mobility long after his Parkinson's diagnosis. Don managed Tony's workouts at his gym, Fitness Solutions 24/7 and at the various assisted living and rehab facilities Tony resided in. The gym was a second home to Tony. He was known as the Gentle Giant. Big T had a sweet and generous personality offering hugs and handshakes to all he encountered.

Mr. Teets enjoyed a life-long career with Pacific Bell/AT&T. His career spanned 30 plus years, and included time in the field as well as time as a Loop-Electronic Digital Engineer. After retiring in 2000, Tony served as a Contractor/Consultant.

Tony followed his Orange, CA grade school best buddy, Jon Pomeroy, to Durango in 2002. Jon designed Tony's retirement home on the Florida River where they were neighbors and enjoyed casting lines, watching the wildlife and tending gardens. Tony enjoyed moving his irrigation equipment throughout the summer months and watching his crops grow.

A Celebration of Life & Remembrance will be held Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church - 2917 Aspen Dr., Durango, CO. A reception will be held at the Doubletree Hotel immediately following the service.

The family requests that any memorial contributions for Tony be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Disease Foundation or to the La Plata County Humane Society.