Gerald "Jerry" Poer, 86, of Durango, Colorado, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026, surrounded by his family after a brief illness. He lived a good, full life — an extraordinary ordinary man who gave generously of himself to his immediate and extended family and to his church and community. His family remembers him as being gentle, kind, patient, thoughtful, and full of Irish humor — always a quiet hero, ready to protect or lift you when you were down.

Jerry was born February 17, 1940, in Durango, to the late William Archie and Mary Margaret (Hogan) Poer. He attended St. Columba Catholic School and graduated from Durango High School in 1958. He continued his education at Colorado State University and Fort Lewis College. He met his lifelong love, Kristine Ward, at a back-to-school dance, and they dated throughout high school. The two married in 1960 and earlier this year celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary — nearly 70 years after their first dance.

Jerry and Kris raised five children, who are deeply grateful for the abundant, unconditional love that shaped them into happy, secure adults. When Jerry's mother passed away in 1970, Jerry and Kris welcomed his youngest siblings, Margaret and Richard, into their family without hesitation, raising them alongside their own children, Kathleen and David. Dena came soon after to complete the family.

Despite his six-day workweek, Jerry always made time for fun. He and Kris organized countless mountain picnics full of amusing mishaps, along with birthday parties and other celebrations that reinforced the family's bonds — always with plenty of laughter and great food, often showcasing Jerry's skill with the barbecue.

For more than fifty years, Jerry was part of the family team, providing great customer service at "the little store with the big stock and the low overhead," known as Hogan's. He knew many Durangoans and could often remember — or accurately guess — their hat, boot, or pant size. He could shape a western hat perfectly or make space in a boot for any foot.

Jerry engaged effortlessly with neighbors, Hogan's customers, and community and church members alike. He never met a stranger and had a warm smile and greeting for everyone. He was a kid whisperer who adored children — happily engaging little ones and quickly winning over even fussy babies.

He supported the community as a member of the Jaycees and regularly "whistled" with them in the Fiesta Parade. He served on the boards of the 9-R School District, Durango Business Improvement District, and Durango Education Foundation; he also officiated high school and college basketball for many years.

A lifelong member of St. Columba Parish, he served as a lector and Eucharistic Minister, facilitated faith formation for young adults, led marriage preparation programs, sat on the parish council, and took part in Marriage Encounter, Bible study, and prayer groups.

Over the years, Jerry hunted in the San Juan Mountains; played and was later an avid fan of football, fastpitch softball, baseball, basketball, golf, and tennis; and enjoyed music, photography, poker, trivia, and crosswords. He rode his first Iron Horse at 71, the year he retired, and cycled well into his eighties.

He loved Durango and had fond memories of great adventures with his buddies on hillsides and stream banks that have long since been developed. His knowledge of Durango history, dates, and families was encyclopedic. If you needed to know when something happened or who was involved, you just asked Jerry. Even as his short-term memory posed challenges in recent years, he remained a trustworthy resource.

He is survived by his wife, Kristine; five children — Margaret (Allen Small), Richard (Myra, dec.), Kathleen, David (Carolyn), and Dena; his siblings — Nancy Ryan (Steve, dec.), Marie Malarsie (John), Helen Gardiner (Dale "Frosty", dec.), Patty Prior (Butch), and Tom (Shawn); his sister-in-law, Diane; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother John.

A Funeral Mass will be held on August 14, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. Columba Catholic Church, with interment at Greenmount Cemetery and a reception following at St. Columba School.

The family requests that Jerry be remembered through acts of kindness or donations to a charity of your choice in his name.