Don Akin Obituary

Don Akin left this world from home in Cortez on the morning of January 1, 2023 at the age of 70. Don was born in Durango, Colo. on January 2, 1952 to Don Akin Sr. and Lois (Johnson) Akin.

Don attended school in Dolores, Colo. graduating in 1970. He attended Mesa State in Grand Junction, Colo. while it was still a two-year college. He then transferred to Fort Lewis in Durango. Don married Mary Sue (Dyer) Akin in 1980 and they were blessed with 42 years together.

Don loved friends, the outdoors, camping, fly fishing, all sports, food, gardening, travel and above all, his wife, nieces and nephews. After college, Don worked as an inspector for the State of Colorado, Chief of Surveys with Thomas Engineering, Mountain Gravel, and Triad Western Construction. Lastly, Don worked 25 years for the Bureau of Reclamation in the Four Corners Area.

A quiet, gentle force, a calm listener, a patient observer, a kind friend with a great sense of humor who was deeply loved. Don was a 47-year member of the Cortez Elks Lodge #1789 and was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law; two sisters-in-law; and one brother-in-law. He is survived by his attentive and loving wife, Mary Sue; and a blended family of brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, a kindhearted aunt, cousins and many remarkable friends.

A celebration of life to honor Don with expressions of joy and love, laughter and storytelling mixed with tears and sadness is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at the First United Methodist Church located at 515 N. Park Street in Cortez. A light meal will be provided after.

Memorial contributions can be made in Don Akin's name to the Parkinson's Foundation Tribute Gifts 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800 Miami, Florida 33131, 1-800-473-4636 or parkinsons.org.

Services are under the direction of Ertel Funeral Home. To send condolences or to view the full obituary, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.