February 21, 1935 - December 23, 2022
Tilopa, a.k.a. Duane Richard Fry, passed away peacefully early in the morning on December 23rd. He was born in Greeley, Colorado, to Edith Opal Diehl and George Fry. Tilopa graduated from Nunn High School, where he was a quarterback on the football team. He attended the University of Colorado at Boulder until he went into the army and was trained as a medic in Kitzingen, Germany, during peace time. Upon Tilopa’s return to the United States, he worked for Wheeler Realty in Greeley, and eventually became a real estate broker and started his own real estate company in Boulder, Fry Realty. Tilopa was a real estate Broker with Fry Realty for 35 years. He purchased a 5 acre farm in north Boulder and had a large garden, goats, chickens, and a mischievous donkey, named Dolly.
Tilopa sold the farm and moved to Crestone Colorado, where he built his own home and guest house, at Tilopa’s Garden, where he entertained many delighted visitors at his peaceful mountain sanctuary. After 12 years in Crestone, Tilopa sold his home and land, and moved to Loveland, CO, to be closer to family.
Tilopa was joyful and loved to dance and cross-country ski!
Tilopa lived at Big Thompson Manor from 2008 until May of 2017, when he moved into the Mirasol community. After hearing of long wait lists at Mirasol, there was a timely opening and he was able to move in quickly, which was an incredible blessing! Tilopa received amazing care at Mirasol, and was close to his daughter, Tiana, there.
Tilopa greatly enjoyed walks around the community visiting friends and savoring the sunshine! Tilopa also enjoyed watching Broncos games and listening to music, as well as having conversations with friends. Tilopa’s hearty and joyful laugh, as well as his kind, gentle smile, will be remembered lovingly by family and friends.
Tilopa is survived by his sister, Judy Darby (Johnie Darby), of Bisbee, Arizona, daughters, Gabriele Haustein and Tiana Mylene, grandchildren, Clayton Baenziger, Syrenda Hacker, and Titan Drake, as well as six great-grandchildren, Leo, Oliver, Emily, Jeremy, Johnny, and Jimmy.
Tilopa took the time to truly connect with and show care with people of all backgrounds, and made a beautiful difference in the world. Tilopa will live on in our hearts, forever.
