Clifton Folsom

Clifton “Kayo” Wade Folsom was born Aug. 5, 1953 to Melvina and Stan Folsom. Homesteading in old-time Durango, Kayo developed a strong sense of family and work ethic, as well as a love for the outdoors. A true cowboy, this old-fashioned lifestyle and multigenerational connection to Durango was ingrained in his heart.

He graduated from Durango High School, and had an impressive sales career at Sears before jumping into his lifetime work in the sweets industry, as Vice President at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for 16 years. He followed that with a booming partnership and presidency franchising Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory worldwide - as far as Dubai. He met Peggy Folsom in 1994, and the happy couple blended their family of six kids: Kevin, Scott, Austin, Hayden, Paige, and Kennady. Together, they launched Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory of Durango in 2004 and, with a lot of hard work and dedication, enjoyed a successful franchise business for many years, supporting and employing many youth in the community.

Engaged in many activities throughout his life, Kayo was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed exploring the wilderness around his home - dirt biking, rafting, and hunting with his family and friends. He was truly a Viking at heart. When he wasn’t recreating outdoors with friends and family, he enjoyed lifting weights at the gym. He participated religiously in Bible Study and Master’s Men Group where he mentored many lost souls - young and old - guiding those in need through times of trouble and hardship.

Kayo enjoyed his 3 grandchildren, and he felt blessed to have had the opportunity to create so many memories in the last several years, skiing, biking, and exploring together.

He battled Kidney Cancer for two years, and put up a strong fight; he ultimately succumbed on January 29, 2021 at 9:44pm at home surrounded by family. His namesake lives on in his son Kevin, daughter-in-law Felicia, grandsons Scott and James, and his three sisters: Veronica, Debbie, and Wilma. And he is survived by his wife Peggy, daughter Annie, stepchildren Austin, Hayden, Kennady, Paige and granddaughter Lily.

Due to Covid, a mask-required service will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 10:30am at The River Church, 860 Plymouth Ave., Durango. To attend memorial service virtually: https://livestream.com/trcdurango/kayo. We ask you to celebrate the incredible life Kayo lived by getting outdoors with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Master’s Men of Durango, mastersmencolorado@gmail.com - an organization near and dear to Kayo’s heart.