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Eldon Basham Obituary

Eldon (Bennie) Basham, a long time Durango resident and Purgatory Ski Area legend, left this earth on July 28, 2021, for his new heavenly home, where he will reside with Jesus (his best friend) for eternity. He was 85 years old.

He was the third person hired in 1965 when the construction of Purgatory Ski Area began, where he worked for a number of years. There is a trail in "The Legends" named after him, "Blackburns Bash". The rest of his life was devoted to sharing the gospel and ministering to people in lots of different settings and capacities, which he did with a heart full of God's love.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years - Patricia (Patsy), His three daughters Kathy (Mike) Janes, Susie (Tom) Ruybal and Shari (Mike) Abeyta, seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and one great- great-grand child.

No services are planned at this time. The family will have a private celebration of life at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pine River Times on Aug. 23, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
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Shannon Mackey

August 27, 2021

Patsy, I am so so sorry for the loss of Bennie! He (and you) were very influential in my life through the Cowboy Church. I will forever be grateful that I met you both and to Bennie's way of leading all of us your hooligans' to the Lords words

Carl and Kelly Wille

August 27, 2021

We´re so very sorry, we love you so much Patsy! Continuing to hold you up in prayer. Miss you...

Kerry Ann (Hooker) Solie

August 25, 2021

I am so saddened by this news, and at the same time rejoice, knowing Benny is with Jesus.

Joella Dunagan

August 24, 2021

Patsy, I am so sorry to hear that you lost Benny. We had some really good times when we both worked at Purgatory. I know he is in a good place. Love you.

Britt and Betsy Lovelace

August 24, 2021

Our hearts are broken to lose this amazing, loving man. But we rejoice with him, knowing he is with his Lord. Prayers for the family. We love you all!

Kathleen koziol

August 23, 2021

So sorry to hear this patsy, all of us loved him , and you too , God Bless

Beau Janes

August 23, 2021

I knew Ben Basham as Papa, as he is my grandfather. I say "is," because his spirit lives on in eternity. Many of my favorite childhood memories involve Papa. Fishing at Haviland Lake, visiting their home in Durango, and playing some sort of card game with him were some of my favorite things. Just being in his presence you always felt loved and gained wisdom, as he always had some to impart. Papa taught me about Jesus, as I'm sure he did to many. It continues to be the most important gift he ever gave. Papa, I'll see you again in paradise... save me a spot in the boat and don't catch all the fish before I get there!

Dwayne & Cheryl Howell

August 23, 2021

We were so saddened to hear about Bennie. He was always a friend and was a joy to be around.

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