Roy Denton Durand

Roy Denton Durand
“Coco”
July 19, 1958-January 11, 2025
Roy Durand entered eternal life on January 11, 2025, in Yuma, Arizona. He was
born to Stacy Durand and Cecile Montague on the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian
Reservation. He attended school at San Pasqual Valley School where he earned his
high school diploma. After high school, he attended Arizona Western College.
During his high school years, he excelled as a student athlete in sports, such as
wrestling and football, which lead to his induction into the San Pasqual Valley
High School Football Hall of Fame in 2020. He was proud to be recognized for his
part in the 1977 undefeated record, better known as the “perfect season”. Growing
up Roy enjoyed spending time with all his cousins and making memories.
Roy began his professional career under an apprenticeship as a plumber with the
Quechan Indian Tribe. Later transitioning to work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs
as a Wildland Firefighter, where he dedicated fourteen years of service. As a
firefighter, he traveled throughout the country fighting major forest fires. He then
moved on to work for the Quechan Indian Tribe as a landscaper, maintenance man,
and finally retired in 2010 as groundskeeper. Roy loved being outdoors and
enjoyed working with his crew. In 2011, Roy began his journey to become an
ordained Minister. His devoted faith and strong beliefs lead him to pursue his
calling.
His true pride and joy in life was his family, which included his children,
grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Better known as Grandpa “Coco” to all of us.
He was a father, husband, brother, uncle, cousin, and lifelong Raiders fan. He
enjoyed listening to his classic rock ‘n’ roll and worship music. He demonstrated
his passion for music, by playing the drums for the “696 Project” with his brother
Todd, Brad, Dave, Dwayne, and many other musicians.
Roy is survived by his wife Gloria; children, Nathaniel Emerson Jr., Robert
Emerson, Brandon Durand, Kristy White, Kimberly Durand and Kailah Durand;
Grandchildren, Loveleigh Durand, Cianna Durand-Silva, and Codah Durand-Silva.
Mother, Cecile Rodriguez (Joe); brother, Vincent Todd Durand (Iris); sister Ora

Lee Durand (Derrick), as well as many extended family members who loved him
dearly.
He is preceded in death by his father Stacy Durand, brother Sheldon Durand Sr.,
paternal grandparents Marie Penn and Harold Durand, maternal grandparents
Cecilia Bryant, and James Montague.
Pallbearers are Nathaniel Emerson Jr, Robert Emerson, Brandon Durand, Codah
Durand-Silva, Solomon Durand, Matthew Juan, Damien Durand, Sheldon Durand
Jr., Maxx Durand, Lionel Montague Jr., Joseph Montague, David Montague, Ernest
Lumas Jr., Chase Choate, and Tutor Montague.
Honorary Pallbearers are Vincent Todd Durand, James Montague, Felix Montague,
Bruce Montague, Lionel Montague Sr., Alton Montague, John Montague, Michael
Montague Sr., Alfred Tatro, James Jackson Sr., Neil Hill Jr, Micheal Fish, Devon
Lopez, Boyd Hill Jr., Steven Hill, Juan Castanuela, Carlos Castanuela, John
Esperanza Jr., Richard Galvan, Bradley Massey Sr., Carl Emerson, Phil Emerson
Sr., Joe Rodriguez Sr., Derrick Mack, Ernest Stevens, Mike Jackson Sr., Mickey
Jackson Jr., Ed Hill Sr., Joe Waco, John Shepard, Rodrick Hart, Lonnie Gilmore,
Lavern Gilmore, Lamuel Porter, Malachi Allen, Damon Polk, Jordan Joaquin,
Virgil Smith, Bob Lowe, Steve Sowers, Patrick Sears, Alexis Duron, Pastor
William Hunter and Pastor Bruce Williams.
Viewing will be held at Abundant Life Church on Wednesday January 22, 2025,
with services beginning at 1:00 pm; officiated by Pastor Vincent Todd Durand.
Tribal ceremonial rites will follow at the Quechan Indian Reservation Big House.
Cremation will be Thursday January 23, 2025, at 5:00 am.

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up
with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and
not faint”. (Isaiah 40:31).

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