Edwin Duane Strachan

edwin strachan

November 16, 1921 ~ May 1, 2012


Resided in: Pueblo, CO

Edwin Duane Strachan, PhD. in Music Education, 90, of Pueblo, Colo., passed away May 1, 2012. Survived by his siblings, Dorothy Strachan of Akron, Colo. and John L. Strachan of Ft. Collins. He will be sorely missed by his surviving sons, Douglas and John S. (Kristin); grandchildren, Dr. Eric Daniel (Jenny) Strachan of Washington state, Kelly (Bill) Denning, Brittany Strachan of Boulder, Lara Strachan of Ft. Collins, Ida Mares of Milliken, Colo., Siri and Mia Strachan of Norway and Arlie Casebeer of Denver; great-grandchildren, Chloe Denning, Oliver and Elliot Strachan, Shaun and Emma Mares of Milliken, Colo., Aurora Strachan of Oslo, Norway, and Ryleigh and Kamryn Boss of Denver. Preceded in death by his parents, John Smith and Estella Strachan; wife, Nina Lynn, 91; and oldest son, Duane Scott, 65. Edwin was born November 16, 1921, in Fort Collins, Colo. After WWII, he worked at District 60 for 32 years starting as a band teacher at Centennial High School, ending his school career as Director of Music Education. Edwin founded Pride City Marching Band, the Pueblo Summer Musical program and established the high standards of music education in Pueblo. Many of the music teachers of today's schools were hired and trained by Edwin. Dearest to his heart was Pueblo Rotary Club #43, as a member, past president and historian. He was a member of the Colorado Music Educators Association. Edwin was proud to have served with the U.S. Army's Big Red One in the Pacific Theater during WWII. There will be no viewing. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Service, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 5, 2012, at Ascension Episcopal Church, 420 W. 18th St., Pueblo, CO. Memorials may be made direct to Sangre de Cristo Hospice, 1207 Pueblo Blvd. Way, Pueblo, CO 81005 or Ascension Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 420 W. 18th St., Pueblo, CO 81003. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com

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  1. I cannot overestimate the positive and powerful influence Dr. Strachan had on my life. He was my music instructor both on cornet and French horn, my role model and mentor. I always felt her cared so much about me as a person and encouraged me to be my best, offering wise counsel, guidance and support.
    I offer sincere sympathy to the family and to the greater community–we have lost a true champion of music, but his legacy lives on through individual lives he touched and the many programs he developed.

  2. Dr. Strachan was the utmost gentleman. I only knew him the last few months since I was privelaged to work with him. He was a truly kind man with many kind words for all. I am sorry for your loss, but he lived a long and wonderful life. He touched the lives of many.

  3. Duane was the first person to interview both my wife and I when I applied for an open position on the elementary instrumental staff of (then) District 60 Schools in August of 1971. He also recommended my wife for a vocal music position soon afterward.
    We have never met a more supportive, kind and upbeat human being; a true gentleman in every sense of the word. I always looked forward to seeing him each time I would accompany my father-in-law to the Rotary-43 meetings.
    Our sincerest condolences go out to the family.
    Thank you for everything you did to brighten our lives. “God speed” good friend. – Jim and Kathie Marcum

  4. To Duane’s Family,
    It was such a great honor to know Duane. We served on the Parkview Foundation Board many years ago where I got to know him and Lynn. They were a very special couple who made wonderful contributions to our community. Duane was such a humble gentleman willing to share all his special knowledge in the music field. His efforts are a lasting memorial and will live on in Pueblo. Even thought I haven’t seen Duane for sometime I will always treasure his welcoming smile and friendly hugs.
    Please know we are very sorry for your loss.
    Sincerely,
    Dr. Gordon and Helen Murley

  5. Dr. Strachan had a huge positive impact in my life. Dr. Strachan and Larry Myers, the band teacher at Freed Junior High, gave me encouragement and guidance that I will never forget.
    As you know, Dr. Strachan was a very talented musician and fabulous horn player. He was first chair wherever good musicians were playing. This gave me (as probably 3rd or 4th chair horn) a wonderful opportunity to observe from afar the man who had given me my start. He had enormous character, was soft spoken, didn’t rattle, and was very talented. He always had a soft smile and a twinkle in his eye. I have been blessed to practice law, serving Pueblo for over 38 years. Thank you, Dr. Strachan for believing in me.
    A great light has gone out in Pueblo.

  6. DUANE AND LYNN HAVE IMPACTED MY LIFE GREATLY. LYNN BY ENCOURAGING ME TO LEAD A WOMENS SACRED DANCE CIRCLE AND DUANE IN HIS LOVING SUPPORT OF HER. AT OUR MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR HER HE SHARED THAT WHEN HE DROVE LYNN TO OUR DANCE NIGHT HE WOULD PRETEND TO GO DOOWNSTAIRS TO THE MUSIC ROOM AND INSTEAD WOULD WATCH US FROM THE LIRARY ROOM. sO SWEET. sUCH A TRUE GENTLE MAN. tHANKFUL OUR PATHS CROSSED. PEACE TO YOU ALL. THE DANCING CIRLE LADIES.

  7. Duane brightened many lives and many hearts. It was my great fortune to know him through Rotary. His love of music was contagious and he was a true resource for the history. Duane will always be remember. Thinking of the family in friendship and sympathy.

  8. Johnny, you and the family prob remember me as “Thumper”. So sorry to hear that your dad passed away. I remember him as being a very nice and gentle man. I have many good memories of us in high school and of your family at that time. My condolences to you, buddy and to the family.


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