Eduardo Gaitán Durán

Eduardo Gaitán (Eduardo Gaitán Durán) passed away at home on April 2, 2014 surrounded by his daughters Delina, Lisa and Carol as well as their families. Born in Cúcuta, Colombia in 1927, Eduardo was predeceased by his wife of more than fifty years, Doris Mills Gaitán. Eduardo was a loving husband and father. His grandchildren Delina, Sarah, William, Joseph and Justin have cherished memories of a proud, doting grandfather.
University education has been important in the Gaitán Durán family for many generations. Eduardo received a degree in Civil engineering from the University of Mississippi and was a Fellow in International Relations at Harvard University. He served on the Board of Directors at the Universidad de Los Andes in Bogota, Colombia.
An exceedingly civic-minded man, Eduardo served in numerous distinguished positions in the private and public sector. He co-founded and subsequently served on the Board of Directors of one of the largest ceramic tile companies in Colombia. His most important contributions in the public sector were as Minister, Mines and Energy, Government of Colombia and as Minister Plenipotentiary of Colombia to the United States. For his service, Eduardo received the Cruz de Boyaca, the highest award given by the Government of Colombia.
Eduardo will be sorely missed by his friends and family. For those that knew him well, his knowledge of politics and history of Latin America were always insightful and visionary. Eduardo will be remembered for his wit, intelligence and sense of humor.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Eduardo's life will be held at 3:30 pm on Sunday, April 6, 2014 at J. HENRY STUHR, INC. MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL, 1494 Mathis Ferry Road. Following a private graveside service to be held later, Eduardo's remains will be laid to rest in the Gaitán Durán family plot in Cúcuta, Colombia. The family will greet friends on Sunday, April 6, 2014 from 2:30 pm until time of the service.