Mike "Mikie" Robert Duran

Mike (Mikie) Robert Duran

April 29, 1951 – November 28, 2021

Mikie was born to his loving parents, Carmen and Mike Duran and was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at the age of one. Although Mikie was formally tutored at a young age (thank you, Mrs. Young), his real education came from a life of inclusion with his family. There was truly never a dull moment when Mikie was around. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing "army men and dinosaurs." In his adult years, Mikie worked with RCI, and Mikie had a 20-year tenure at the Kirtland Air Force Base. He worked in the cafeteria filling napkin holders and emptying trash. After his retirement, Mikie's life was filled with "reading" library books, traveling with his parents, and staying busy at Los Compadres Senior Center (Adelante).

Mikie dodged the many medical conditions that frequently come with DS, and was healthy and independent until the last five years of his life when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. This hit him with a ravaging force for which we were not ready. We are blessed to have had Mikie, aka, the Bug, Cheap Mike, Mike Cartwright for such a long time in our lives. While the rest of the world will wonder what the heck we are saying when we launch into "Mikie talk", we will always hear his distorted and beautiful speech in our heads and in our hearts.

We wish to thank the New Beginnings group home; the Fairfax (ARCA) group home; and Mikie's beloved caregivers over the years, especially: Sarah and the team at Los Compadres; caregiver, Albert Fresquez; the ARCA staff: Melody, Krista, Brittany, Amanda, Gracie, Vanessa, Brandon, Melachi, Steve, Felicia, Cheryl, Natalie, Susan, Chisholm, Maria, and Rose Mary; therapists: Tom, Camille, Erica, Casey, Dan, Laura, and Case Manager, Angela.

To Dr. Rudolph, Monica, and staff, thank you for helping us over the decades with dad, mom, and Mikie. We appreciate you teaming with us to give the Three Amigos the best quality of life possible.

A Rosary will be held on Saturday, August 27, at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Community, 5415 Fortuna Rd NW. Reception to follow.

Masks are optional.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to https://inspire.globaldownsyndrome.org in honor of Mikie Duran.