Ivan Leon Bruckman, 71, died Sunday, June 16, 2013, in Durango, Colo. A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2013, at Hood Mortuary Chapel. Mr. Keith Dickinson will be officiating. Mr. Bruckman was born May 22, 1942, in South Gate, Calif., the son of Fred and Kathryne Bruckman. He grew up in Compton, Calif., and attended schools there. He contracted polio at five years of age and since then has been active in polio support groups as his illness was one of the defining elements of his life. His mother died when he was ten years old; therefore he developed an independent personality and became very self-sufficient at a young age. Ivan was married to Maralyn Packer on March 5, 1967 in Las Vegas, Nev.; their courtship and dating began just three months prior and they have been happily married for 46 years. Ivan attended the University of California at Fullerton and obtained his teaching degree. He has pursued other careers, but his passion and calling was to be a special education teacher. He taught in the California school districts and retired in 1991 due to his illness. The family moved to Durango in 1991 and has been here since. His personality and sense of humor has always been one of a tormentor and teaser. He was a straight shooter and spoke his mind. Ivan loved woodworking, and he also collected scale model trains. Ivan loved dogs, having formerly bred and raised German Shepherds. Most importantly, he loved his family and especially his grandkids. He is survived by his wife Maralyn Bruckman of Durango; daughters: Shelley Malin (spouse: Duane) of Long Beach, Calif.; Kathryne Ide (spouse: Brian) of Bayfield, Colo.; grandchildren: James Martinez, Heather Malin, and Dale Martinez. He is preceded in death by his parents. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Hospice of Mercy, 1 Mercado Street, Suite 270, Durango, CO 81301.