Ronald Reed Durtschi

Ronald Reed Durtschi was born 18 September 1951, in St. Anthony, ID and passed away on February 8^th 2024 from complications of pancreatic cancer. He was at peace surrounded by his family.  He was the eldest child of Elva Jean Blackburn Durtschi and Reed Robert Durtschi, and adored by his 6 younger siblings.  He married Debra Seamons and together they have 4 children and 5 Grandchildren. He was an exemplary Son, Brother, Father, and Papa.  Despite enduring long and difficult treatments, his final communication was, “I love my family,” and there is simply no better summary for his life well lived.

He had a wonderful childhood playing baseball with his dad, sledding down Old Main, and loving his younger siblings. He served a 2-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  He was proud of his service, and thrilled to return home honorably to his family, although he never ate rice and beans again.

Dad was a talented distance runner and led his team at Skyview High to a 2nd place state cross-country finish. He received a track and cross-country scholarship to Utah State where he set the Utah State University school record in the 3-mile. He was able to train for 13 marathons with a personal best of 2 hours and 39 minutes, that is an average of  6 minutes per mile.  All while balancing life with kids and work.

His skinny legs and rocking glasses were great for more than Cross Country.  He used them to woo our Mom, although it took him 3 attempts to finally get a date. They were married December 12, 1974, and he spent every day thereafter making my mom laugh.

He graduated from Utah State University with degrees in Economics and Finance and continued to the University of Utah where he received a Master’s of Business Administration in 1978. He worked in the Economic Forecasting department for Questar for 34 years, but when his kids would ask what he did for work, he simply replied, “I sit around making natural gas.” He enjoyed his work and the challenge of designing mathematical models to estimate gas utilization. But his true joy and passion was hurrying home to spoil his children.

He was the coach for 12 youth soccer teams, 6 baseball teams, 8 Jr. Jazz teams and only sustained one moderately severe shin injury.  He never missed a ballet recital, ballgame, or track meet even if it meant he had to fly across the country and back in a single day.  He endured dozens of scout campfire songs and swim checks to spend time with his sons, and he was always willing to provide for other scouts who needed (or had forgotten) food and dry shelter.  He was a kind and faithful follower of Christ.  He was ministering before it was cool. His monthly visits would usually consist of a lesson from Trailer Life magazine and filling the water-softener with 25 lb bags of salt, but his neighbors knew he was dependable and genuinely always there to help.

He was a dedicated USU Aggie who, even up to the day he passed, would get overly worked-up watching a game. Luckily the basketball team is having a good year so it was easier on him. During his years of being a season ticket holder, he would always take his kids to visit Grandma and Grandpa Durtschi, then head to the game and celebrate with the greatest treat on the planet, Aggie Ice Cream.  Aggies all the way!

Perhaps the only thing he loved more than his kids were his dogs. Over the years his pets trained him with several simple commands: “Time for a treat,” “Let’s throw the ball,” and “I want to go to the magic window for a hamburger.”  We have not been able to break the news to the local Wendy’s that Dad has passed and won’t be bringing the dogs for lunch anymore. 

For the past 45 years he could be seen every morning at 5:30 running and walking his dog with his best friend and running companion Lee Francis. His example taught his family the importance of taking care of our bodies and the joy of rising early.  His other hobbies included detailing his truck, riding motorcycles and snowmobiles, followed by more washing and waxing of the truck.  Again, teaching us to have fun, and take care of your toys so they take care of you.

He truly was brilliant and a voracious reader.  He would often spend dinners discussing his behavioral economics books, or a recent article in the Wall Street Journal.  More than simply studying, he would apply his knowledge into investment strategies and creating software we still use today to assess retirement assets.  He would watch the stock ticker on CNBC much like a basketball game, and we are so grateful he would share his wisdom, which will continue providing for his family after his passing.

Love is inadequate to describe his feelings for his family. As his mother aged, he moved her closer and attended to her growing needs.  He read her books, took her to church, and would bring her a favorite dinner where they could sit and reminisce over fond memories.  Each Saturday he could be found dropping off donuts and giving hugs to his grandkids.  He continued his tradition of unwavering support as he attended their every game, recital, and performance. Furthermore, he restored Grandpa Durtschi’s cabin in Driggs, Idaho to provide “Party Central” for future generations. We will always remember him as we hike, camp, and laugh in our favorite place in the world.  We love you Papa!

A viewing will be held at Russon Brothers Mortuary 1941 N Main St. Farmington, UT on Thursday, February 15th, from 6pm - 8pm.  Funeral Services will begin Friday, February 16th, 11am at the LDS church at 500 S Main St, Kaysville, UT.  The services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page below.