Duard L Fix

Duard Lee Fix, 78, passed away on November 15th, 2012 at theWray Community Hospital after a courageous 16 month fight with pancreatic cancer. Duard was born to Albert and Grace (Whyte) Fix in Wray onAugust 1, 1934. He was the youngest brother to Duain (Weenie) Fix, Lila Mae Dykes, Shirley Carson, and Melvin Fix. His mother had a massive stroke when he was 15 years old and at that point, Duard was responsible to handle all the farming and the chores so his dad could take care of his mother. He graduated fromWrayHigh School in 1952, the same year his mother passed away from the stroke that left her paralyzed on her right side. After a year at Colorado State University, Duard returned home to work on the family farm with his brother, Duain, for 31 years and then with his son, Darus, for the remaining 25 years. OnAugust 10, 1958, Duard married his lifelong partner, Adah Mae (Amy) Snedeker of Yuma and they started their life together on the homestead place. Duard farmed at night and carpentered in the daytime. In their 54 years of marriage, they were blessed with four children: Denise Renee, Gregory Paul, Dawnelle Grace, and Darus Lee. Duard was also blessed with many good friends as is witnessed here today.

Agriculture was a very challenging career choice, especially in the drought of the 50’s. When it did rain, it always seemed to hail and destroy the crops. Duard and Duain struggled to make ends meet and in the fall of 1962, Duard decided it was best to quit farming and let Duain expand a little and try to make it on his own. His father, Albert, would not hear of that and had suggested they look into irrigating since it was an all- dry land farm. Albert gave them some of the best advice that could be offered. He’d read a little about it and thought his land would work. They decided to drill a test hole on the land south of the home place, so Albert went out and drove diagonally from corner to corner to find the center of the quarter. He set a stake nearby and said “Let’s drill here”. Duard often wondered if his dad knew then, that the center of each quarter is the ideal place to have a well, as most water is now distributed by a center pivot system that sits in the center of each quarter. The well was to be test pumped on April 10th, 1963 at8am.  The same day Duard and Duain hit water, their father died at3am never seeing a drop of water pumped on the land he loved so dearly. Duard was only 28 years old at the time. Duard learned how to manage on his own and knew the importance of hard work. He became a successful farmer/businessman, but most of all, a real mentor and hero to his children. Duard was always in favor of trying new ways and keeping up with the changing times of technology. He always said if your business is not growing then your business is dying.

Duain passed away on April 5, 1985, so a few years later Duard and his son, Darus, started a new partnership called Fix Farms and they continued their love of farming together until the day he passed. Duard had complete faith in Darus’ ability to continue the Fix farming operation that began 100 years ago this year.

Duard was very active in the community by serving on many boards and committees. His input and knowledge was valued by many townspeople. The Kitzmiller-Bales Trust was the most important and dear to his heart. He served as trustee with his close friend, Bob Hansen, for 28 years until the day he passed. That gave him much satisfaction to generate money into the schools and the community that he loved so much. He also served on the local water board for 30 long years, which was the lifeblood of his farming operation, and the Kenneth and Ethel Powell Trust for 21 years.

Duard is survived by his wife, Amy, of Wray; daughters, Denise (Bill) Gaynor of Atwood and Dawnelle (Max) Haynes of Eaton; and son, Darus (Keri) Fix of Wray; grandchildren, Dane (Nicole) Gaynor, Gunnar and Ryleigh Haynes, Deidra and Kace Fix; and great grandchildren, Austin and Meridee Gaynor.

Duard was preceded in death by his parents, son Gregory Paul, brothers, Duain and Melvin, sister, Shirley Carson, and granddaughter, Jensen Haynes.

Services were held on Monday, November 19, 2012, 10:30 a.m. at the Wray United Methodist Church with Reverend Norman Stott officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Duard L. Fix Memorial Fund for local community organizations in care of 1st Pioneer National Bank at 145 W. 4th St,Wray,CO80758. Spellman-Schmidt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.