In Memory

Nicholas Park

Nicholas Patrick Park Jr. (2/10/2007)

Former Durango resident Nicholas Patrick Park Jr., 43, died on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007, in West Hills, Calif. He had required care for the last 10 years after contracting a virus of the neurological system. He died from complications of the disease.

Mr. Park was born to N. Patrick and Margaret J. Park in Lynwood, Calif., on June 16, 1963. His family moved to Durango when he was a teenager, and he graduated from Durango High School in 1981. He was a member of the Rodeo Club in high school.

The Park family in this area dates back to Doc Julian Hathaway, who had been involved in the oil and gas industry in the Marvel area since the 1940s.

After graduating from DHS, he attended the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, Idaho, where he studied ranching and rodeo.

In September 1994, Mr. Park married Patricia Kelly in Calabasas, Calif.

Mr. Park was a professional saddle bronc rider and a cattle rancher who had reached championship levels on both the Colorado and California rodeo circuits. He and well-known champion saddle bronc rider C.R. Kimball competed together before Mr. Park's illness.

He had worked for Classic Crafters and was an accomplished cabinet maker.

"He was a sincere, honest and loyal friend," his family wrote, "A man of integrity and all around good guy who could fix just about anything. His motto, "Don't weaken" served as the inspiration to his rodeo peers who looked to Nick for spiritual, moral and physical strength.

Mr. Park's passions were dancing with his wife, rodeoing, serving Christ and loving his wife, son, family and friends, said his family.

He also enjoyed fly fishing and tied his own flies. His family said he had some secret fishing spots.

Mr. Park is survived by his wife, Patricia (Kelly) Park, of Brentwood, Tenn.; son Nicholas Patrick Park III, also of Brentwood; father N. Patrick Park Sr. of Durango; sisters Kari Tillotson of Durango and Diana Jewell of Hesperia, Calif.; brother Jon Park of Durango; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12, 2007, at The River Church, 860 Plymouth Drive. Burial will follow at Greenmount Cemetery near Mr. Park's mother, who died four months ago.