May 26, 1951 — Sept. 04, 2013

Frederick Clay Durham, 62, f Carbondale, Colorado and Key West, Florida

After a valiant 7-year battle with pancreatic cancer, Fred Durham left this world on September 4, 2013 with the love of his life, Wendy Aresty, by his side.

Fred was born and raised in central Illinois and came to the Aspen Valley in 1985. He drove a RFTA bus, worked at The Grand Champions Club, and when it became the Maroon Creek Club, Fred was the driving force behind getting the award-winning Tom Fazio-designed course finally built.

It took seven years from concept to completion and Fred put his love of golf course architecture behind every hole. Anyone who has ever built anything in Aspen will appreciate the fortitude and patience required.

Fred stayed on as President of the club until 2001. After leaving the club, Fred was hired by Clay and Louise Bennett to build and manage the wonderful gem of a bookstore, Towncenter Booksellers in Basalt. Towncenter quickly became the heart and soul of the town and Fred hosted many events for the community. When the Harry Potter books were published Fred would always have a midnight celebration and over the years many extraordinary authors did readings there. There was great sadness in the Valley when the bookstore closed in 2009, a casualty of the times for independent bookstores.

Fred also enjoyed running the bookstore for the Aspen Institute’s Ideas Festival and hosting many events for the Aspen Writers’ Foundation. He also served on the board of The Aspen Writers’ Foundation and as its Treasurer.

Shortly after the bookstore closed, Fred and Wendy moved part-time to Key West where he loved to boat and fish and have a Papa Dobles at Sloppy Joe’s Bar and spend time with his family.

Fred is survived by his sister, Francie Linowski of Indiana, and his four beloved children and grandchildren. His oldest son, Chris, lives in Basalt with his wife, Stefanie, and granddaughters, Sofie and Maggie. Son Nich lives in Bozeman, Mont., with his wife Whitney and grandsons, Bryton and Rogue. Son Adam lives in Americus, Ga., with his partner, Courtney; and daughter Laura lives in Hoboken, N.J., with her wife, Meaghan, and many close friends.

Most of all, Fred will be remembered for his warm, wonderful smile that made his eyes twinkle, his quick wit and his marvelous storytelling.

Donations can be made to The Frederick C. Durham Young Writers’ Scholarship at the Aspen Writers’ Foundation. Services will be private.