Duane Solomon Valencia, 45, died Tuesday, November 8, 2011, at his home in Ignacio, Colo. A Memorial Service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, November 14, 2011, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church. Cremation will occur at Hood Mortuary Crematory in Durango. Mr. Valencia was born November 14, 1965, in Garden Grove, Calif., the son of Manuel and Lillian Valencia. Mr. Valencia grew up in California but then moved to Ignacio in 1971 when he was around five years old. He attended Ignacio schools and graduated from Ignacio High School excelling in all sports and was a Colorado state runner up in wrestling. He furthered his education by attending San Juan Basin Vo-Tech in Cortez. He was an auto technician for many, many years for McNeil’s Service Center and then later at New Country Auto Center as an advanced shop foreman. In addition to being well known in the automotive community, he was also known for his mentoring and coaching many of the area youth. He had recently been involved in high school refereeing. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, being in the outdoors and being a practical joker. He had a passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles and rooting for the Miami Dolphins. His family fondly recalls Mr. Valencia being the best BBQ'er and that he made the best red beet jelly. "He had a great love for his family and will be missed immensely," said his family. He is survived by Manuel Valencia (father) of Aztec, N.M., Deidra Valencia (wife) of Durango, Kayla (Matt) Madril (daughter and son-in-law) of Durango, Miriah Madril (daughter) of Durango, Marcus (Amanda) Madril (son and daughter-in-law), Kobe Madril, Elijah Madril, Teagan Madril (grandchildren) of Durango, Robert (Sandra) Valencia (brother and sister-in-law) of Cortez, Lonnie (Michelle) Valencia (brother and sister-in-law) of Oklahoma City, Okla., Debbi Valencia (sister) of Ignacio, Gloria (Vince Sanchez) Valencia (sister and brother-in-law) of Mancos, Trish (Ross) Jacket (sister and brother-in-law) of Ignacio, Bryant Valencia (brother) of Blanco, N.M., and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Duane Valencia Memorial Account at First National Bank of Durango to help the family with medical expenses.