October 3, 1949 – June 20, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Darold Wayne Oakland at age 76.
Darold was born on October 3, 1949, in Leadville, CO, to Rodney and Cleo Oakland.
The oldest of four children, Darold graduated from Bear Creek High School in Lakewood, CO, and attended college in Arizona before moving to Durango, CO, in his twenties. It was there he met his then-wife Barbara Cohen. Together they moved to Ridgway and started their family. They had two daughters, Sarah and Trisha. Sarah preceded him in death due to a heart defect.
Darold worked in Ridgway as a miner and then as a mason. One of his favorite pastimes was fishing at Cow Creek with his family. Over the years he moved between Hawaii, California and Arizona, returning to Ridgway numerous times.
Darold was known to the community as a kind and caring man who made friends easily, and who always willing to help a friend or lend a hand, usually with a funny story or joke.
Darold passed peacefully in hospice care on June 20, 2026. He is survived by his daughter Trisha Oakland and granddaughter Hailey Moran; his ex-wife Barbara Cohen (David Bergerson); his brothers Stan (Patty) and Doug; and was preceded in death by his daughter Sarah and his sister Sandy.
A graveside memorial service will be held on July 25 at Dallas Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Shepherd’s Hand in Montrose, Colorado.
