Frank Antonio Durado, 69

Frank Antonio Durado, 69, of Grandview, Wash., and formerly of Kalispell, passed away Saturday, June 19, 2010, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born Jan. 1, 1941, to Rocco T. and Frances (Grecco) Durado in Missoula. He was the youngest of five boys, Jim, John, Larry, Bob and Frank. At a young age, his work ethic and infectious smile created many tips while working as a shoeshine boy. A love of music grew as he mastered the drums and started his dance band, The Stardusters, playing for school dances and nightclubs. Frank also enjoyed sports in high school, playing on championship teams in football and basketball, and lettering in track. College brought a new band, The Playboys, with bookings most weekends, which allowed him to work his way to a Bachelor of Arts in music and physical education. While attending Montana State College, he met and married the love of his life, Susan Sue Kent. Together they created a beautiful family, one son, Tony Durado and his fiance, Wendy Hughs, and one daughter, Tammy Parrish and husband, Scott; and grandchildren, Courtney Durado, Payton Parrish, Teagan Parrish, Treyton Rocco Parrish, Amber Foster and Nicole Foster. Mr. D. began teaching music, through which he encouraged others to aspire to their highest potential. He won many awards and took his bands of 70 to 80 members rocking down the street to the latest new beat. After losing partial hearing, he changed directions to marketing and DECA. This began another legacy of molding and mentoring young people to be the best they could be in the business world. Working at Snokist Cherry Warehouse as a test grader sparked a new interest in farming. He and Sue have farmed their cherry orchard for the past 25 years. After 31 years of teaching, he retired to enjoy farming, spending time in the shop with friends, hunting, fishing, creating leaded glass projects, golfing, cooking, laughing and attending the 10-4 Coffee Club meetings. Above all he loved his God and family. You are greatly loved and missed, Cadillac Man. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, at the Grandview Church of the Nazarene. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grandview Community Dollars for Scholars at the Chase Bank in Grandview for a DECA Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of Frank Durado. Those wishing to share their memories or sign Frank s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com.