In Memory of Martin Duran

Dear Dad,

We are slowly learning about the stamp you left in this world through every single interaction with people that knew you. You were loved so much more than we believe you knew.

We never wanted to think about the day we would have to say goodbye to you, because to us, you were invincible. You never wanted to burden us or anyone and did everything yourself. Everyone we have spoken to is in complete shock that you are gone so quickly. Although you were 72, you had so many plans for years to come and no one saw this coming.

In a few words, you were kind, compassionate, generous, artistic, charismatic, respected and always had a solution to your family's problems.

Our first big memory of you showing your kindness and compassion was when you took us with your family to an orphanage in Mexico to give items to the children in need. You showed us how blessed we were. You always showed us that whenever you give, you receive 3x in return. We knew how much giving back to your home country was important to you and just as you showed us to give back to Mexico, we will show our children to do the same.

You came from very little and built a beautiful legacy for your family. You worked extremely hard for your daughters to have a beautiful future. From the moment the sun came up you were already starting your truck up to work and we knew that once the sun would start to come down, we would hear your truck pulling in from work, your keys hit the glass table and your lunch box hit the kitchen counter. You showed us what hard work is and instilled your hustle mentality into each of your children.

You gave the best advice and always knew exactly what to say. We gave you trouble, like all daughters do, but you always remained calm and never once showed anger. Always remaining calm cool and collected, you showed us how to control emotions. Many didn't see this side of you, but you were so funny to us. Because of all of the inside jokes we had built over the years, when you retold stories, you did it in a way that had our whole family crying laughing at the dinner table. We will miss having morning coffee and nightly tea with you.

You adored your grandchildren, Melissa, Kamila, Anthony, Matteo, Julianna, Chanel, Oliver and Benjamin. For Kamila and Chanel, you were a Father. You wanted the best for all of us always and told us to take care of each other. You left knowing that your daughters and wife have an extremely strong bond. Family was everything to you and we want you to know that we will continue to help each other just like you wanted us to. We will always be united and will take care of Mom for you.

You and mom built the American Dream. She was mind and you were muscle. She is left extremely heartbroken and at a loss. We are holding her hand and hugging her hard for you. She is pulling through and keeping all of us strong like she always has. We are planning to give everyone a chance to see you one last time and to honor your life in the best way we possibly can. You deserve to be remembered by everyone that was a part of your life.

Although we cannot understand why you are gone so suddenly, we all know it was your time. This is the worst pain we have all felt in our entire lives. I know you don't want to see us hurt, pero te extrañamos muchisimo.

We love you Dad,

Mom, Sandra, Lyndsey, Kim and Jenny