Thomas John Ghear

Article Last Updated; Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:09AM

Ghear

Durango resident Thomas John Ghear died suddenly in Durango on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009. He was 57.

Mr. Ghear was born to Charles and Charlotte Ghear in Santa Monica, Calif., on July 3, 1952. He grew up in Manhattan Beach, where he spent his youth living the California lifestyle. Mr. Ghear attended La Quinta High School, where he enjoyed diving, swimming and surfing.

On April 4, 1982, he married Rebecca Abrams in Las Vegas. The marriage later ended in divorce.

He started working in construction with his father and continued his love of building throughout his life.

In Durango, he owned his own concrete business before working for Tradewinds Construction and Gene Fisher Custom Homes.

Mr. Ghear moved to Durango in the early 1990s.

"He was a free-spirited thrill seeker and adventurer," his family wrote, "an authentic human being who was loyal to friends and family." Mr. Ghear is survived by his daughter, Danielle Ghear, of Durango; mother, Charlotte "Lottie" Ghear, of Durango; girlfriend, Chris Paloukos, of Durango; brother, Bob Ghear, of Lake Forest, Calif.; former wife, Becky Ghear, of Durango; and a niece and a nephew.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, at Hood Mortuary Chapel. Chaplain Earl Caudill will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Pine River Valley Bank in his daughter's name to continue his dream for her future.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hoodmortuary.com.