HAROLD STROUD

Former Valley resident Harold Eugene Stroud, 50, of Evans, Colo., died Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004, at the North Colorado Medical Center, after a long struggle with cancer.

Celebration of life services were held Dec. 13 in Evans, Colo. Graveside services for family and friends will be held at the Elkhart Cemetery at a later date.

He was born April 7, 1954, to Eugene and Gladys (Shultz) Stroud. Mr. Stroud enjoyed fishing, music, traveling for his work, smoking, Western movies, dancing and playing with his grandchildren.

His loved ones wrote, "The last eight years of Harold's life were spent in Evans, where he lived happily with his best friend, lover and companion, Debra Gutierrez. She was with him through many of his happiest days and through his darkest hours.

"Deb and his son, Gene, were there to provide love and comfort in his last moments, maintaining his dignity as well as ensuring that his last wishes were carried through. With Deb, Harold was happy to be stepfather to Jason and Brandy and her husband, Jason."

He was a proud and loving father of three daughters, Toma Stroud, Riesa Berry and husband, Jeff, and Jessica Stroud, all of Sioux Falls, S.D.; three sons, Eugene Stroud of Evans, Colo., Timothy Stroud and Vernon Stroud, both of Sutton, and a stepson, Billy Henderson, also of Sutton.

Also surviving him are two brothers, Herman Stroud of Elkhart, Kan., and Sam Stroud and his wife, Mona, of Palmer; two half-brothers, Mike Goodwin and his wife, Irene, of Louisiana and Patrick Goodwin and wife, Patricia, of San Antonio, Texas; a sister, Teresa Burkhart of Palmer and three grandchildren, with another one on the way. Uncles, aunts, cousins and many nieces and nephews survive him as well.

Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado, in care of Moser Funeral Services, 3501 S. 11th Ave., Evans, CO 80620.