Donald “Don” Kenneth Ross 1944-2026

Donald “Don” Kenneth Ross, 82, a loving husband, knowledgeable outdoorsman, and consummate storyteller, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, in Durango, Colorado.

Born in Durango on March 1, 1944, to Kenneth and Mildred Ross, Don’s childhood was shaped by the Four Corners region, especially Colorado and Utah. Don was raised in Mesa Verde National Park (yes, he lived in the park as a baby!) and Mancos, Colorado; he spent many of his formative years in Bluff and Blanding, Utah. After graduating from Blanding High School, Don attended Fort Lewis College, earning a degree in Geology in 1965.

As the son of one of the region's first commercial river guides, Don grew up on the San Juan River. He began leading river trips as a teenager, a passion that culminated in guiding commercial expeditions through the Grand Canyon. Most memorably, he guided National Geographic photographers on the centennial trip commemorating John Wesley Powell’s Grand Canyon expedition.

In the fall of 1969, while working at Colorado Trails Ranch and Purgatory Ski Area, Don met the love of his life, Jeanne Leigh Fullerton. The couple married at the ranch on September 10, 1971, and together they shared 55 wonderful years in Durango and Dolores, Colorado. Don’s career came full circle prior to his retirement, when he spent over 15 years sharing his deep knowledge as an Interpretive Ranger and step-on guide in Mesa Verde National Park.

Beyond his professional life, Don was passionate about Southwestern studies, the San Juan River, and Native American art—particularly weavings and pottery—and shared a respectful brotherhood with the Hopi community. While he loved the American Southwest, his adventurous nature led him on numerous trips across Europe, including both land journeys and river cruises. Don will be remembered for his kindness to others, his generous spirit, and his incredible ability to regale friends and family with stories of his past adventures and the history of the land he cherished.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Mildred Ross; his two brothers, Doug and Chuck Ross; and his parents-in-law, Pat and Ken Fullerton.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Ross; his sister-in-law, Judith Ernst; his brothers-in-law, Mark (Bonnie) Fullerton and John Fullerton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A small family memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Don’s memory to the Mesa Verde Foundation.

Mesa Verde Foundation

8600 Ralston RD | Suite 100

Arvada, CO 80002 mesaverdefoundation.org