Obituary of Franklin "Frank" Duran

After a long battle with Covid, Franklin "Frank" Duran passed away on Thursday January 6, 2022, at the UC Health Memorial Hospital Central in Colorado Springs, Colorado.Frank was born in San Francisco, California, in 1960, the son of the late Enrique Rivas Duran and Concepcion Maria Chavez. Both of his parents were born in El Salvador, Central America. Frank, also known as "Frankie" and "Pancho," was one of ten children, Henry (Lynn) Duran, Elena (Ben) Campbell, Jorge (Diane) Duran, Oscar (Shirley) Duran, Georgina (Asencion) Mata, Ed Duran, Jimmy (Berta) Duran, Ernesto (Judy) Duran, and Connie (Frank) Torres. Although his siblings live throughout California, Virginia, and Colorado, all of them maintained close ties and continue to be a loving, and supportive family. Growing up, Frank lived in the Excelsior District of San Francisco and attended Balboa High School. He entered the Military in 1983 and served in the United States Army. On one of his tours of service, Frankie was stationed in South Korea and learned to speak the language. He was able to speak English and Spanish as well. Frankie was always looking for the opportunity to use his language skills. He recalled, back in the States, he was at a local grocery store. He saw an elderly Korean woman who needed help and he didn't hesitate. He jumped right in and helped her find the items she needed. The lady was surprised that he could speak her language and thanked the "Store Manager." Little did she know he was not an employee. He was just a kind-hearted individual looking to lend a helping hand. If you needed help, Frankie was always there. In 1986, Frankie was discharged from the Army in Fort Carson, Colorado, and remained in Colorado Springs where he began his family. Frank was proud to be a veteran and was honored to have served his Country.Frank is preceded in death by his first two children, Michael A. Duran (5), and Leticia A. Duran (3). Although the tragedy of the children's death happened over thirty-three years ago, he never quite got over his loss. Frank is survived by his three younger children, Rosalynn M. Duran (9), Marialynn C. Duran (8), and Franklin R. Duran "Jr." (5), respectively.There is no doubt that Frankie is a kind soul, but he is also generous to a fault. You could not tell Frankie that you liked anything of his, because he would literally give it to you. I still have many gadgets that he gave me over the years, that I will now treasure.His family and friends would say that "Pancho" has many talents. For instance, he loves to tell jokes and he creates his own little phrases like, "Until the wheels fall off!" This is a phrase that has a lot of meaning for the Duran family. "Until the wheels fall off" means, "to last forever" or "to never give up." He used it often when his children passed away. Pancho also has pet names for his other children. Marialynn is his "Princess" and the jingle for Rosalynn is, "My Rose, my Rose, my beautiful, beautiful, Rose." For Franklin, Jr. it is, "My baby boy, Franklin."Pancho has many hobbies and interests. Aside from camping, boating, music and photography, one of his biggest passions is to collect rare, one-of-a-kind, antiques and collectables. His favorite collection, consist of his coins and his canvas art, by Orlando. His second passion is, the San Francisco 49ers and enjoying a Budweiser with friends. I am certain he got a lot of slack for being a big 49er fan in "Mile High" territory. He really loved his 49ers.By trait, Pancho worked in construction and was a professional painter. He worked for Trujillo Special Coating Company and at one point started his own business named, Fine Line Painting. After many years in this field, he had an unfortunate accident that forced him to make a career change. Fortunately, he was able to fall back on his Military training as a heavy equipment transport operator and began working for McDonald Paving and Chip Sealing company, a family-owned business. It did not take long for Frankie to become the Lead Motor Transport Operator for the company. The owners, Dan and Matthew McDonald describe him as a "work horse" and considered him a part of their family, "a brother," and "loved by all."Throughout Pancho's life, he endured many difficulties. However, he always managed to land on his feet. His love for family and friends was his strength and his glue. The Duran Family will no longer have ten. The spirit that once brought us so much joy, laughter, and love, has now gone to rest in Heaven. Despite this final battle, to anyone who knew him, he will always be our hero! Vaya con Dios, Panchito! I love you... "Until the wheels fall off!"Visitation, 4:00PM-6:00PM, Friday, January 14, 2022, The Springs Funeral Services, 3115 East Platte Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909.Rosary, 6:00PM, Friday, January 14, 2022, The Springs Funeral Services, 3115 East Platte Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909.The Mass and Endowment are still being arranged, but will be held in South San Francisco, California (TBA). Final Resting Place is Holy Cross Cemeteries, 1500 Mission Road, Colma, California 94014-0577, Phone: 650-756-2060.For further information please contact The Springs Funeral Services at 719-328-1793, in Colorado or Garden Chapel Funeral Directors at 650-583-2510, in San Francisco, California.The Duran family would like to extend a special "Thank You," and acknowledgment to The McDonald Family of McDonald Paving and Chip Sealing company for their generosity and support during this difficult time. Your financial contribution is greatly appreciated. Events Visitation Friday, January 14, 2022 4:00PM - 6:00PM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855 Rosary Friday, January 14, 2022 6:00PM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855 Final Resting Place Holy Cross Cemetery 1500 Mission Rd Colma, CA 94014