My Dad's funeral service and burial was yesterday.  It was one of the hardest days of my life, yet it was also very comforting because I learned a lot!  My Dad was a wonderful teacher, and he made a difference in so many people's lives!  It was a beautiful service because I saw how my Dad touched so many different people's lives all throughout his life.  He taught by example, helpfulness, happiness, and love.  Even up to his final days, he taught all of us how important it is to be thankful, to not complain, and to trust God!  I am thankful for so much!  I am thankful to my wonderful husband who lovingly supports me during this difficult time. I am thankful to my two sons who are very understanding and who loved their Grandpa Durand!  I am grateful to have such a strong, caring Mother.  I am so proud of my brother, Dave, who had the courage and perfect words to speak at the service.  I am so grateful to Heather and all the wonderful people at Gerations Assisted Living who treated my Dad with dignity and love.  I am thankful to all who came to the service, as well as the kind people at Ball and Dodd and Rev. Conklin.  I am so grateful for my Dad's former students who added comments to this guest book and who told stories in person over the years about how they respected and learned from Mr. Durand!  I am so blessed to have had a dedicated, loving Dad, a loving, forgiving God, and so many wonderful family members and friends.  In the past days, I haved learned so much more about life!  Thank you Dad...I love you as big as the whole world...and the Heavens...I look forward to seeing you, our Father,  and our other loved ones in Heaven one day!!!!
Love Always, Nancy Ann

Mr.Durand was my 6th grade teacher in 1963 at Stadium school, now the site where his final service will be held.  He was a very sweet man who cared deeply for his students.  Being a newcomer to town that year, I'll always be grateful for how he worked to help me fit in with the class.  I'll also never forget the impact Kennedy's death had on him and how he handled that event with us.  Teachers influence us in many ways.  Mr. Durand's impact on me was to show the power of decency and kindness. Released from the cruel bonds of Parkinsons, may he and his family find peace.

The Washington State Veterans Cemetery extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Virgil R. Durand, Jr. for your loss, to your his service to our country and our patriotic hero.

I had Mr. Durand for 6th grade P.E. at Lidgerwood in 68'. He wasn't all that tall but he was a big man and we all looked up to him. Taught us the very best fundamentals in basketball. I remember he had a funny looking station wagon that we would pile in and go play other schools. One of the kids we had on our team was about 6' or 6' 1" and he always rode up front with Mr. Durand. When he got out of the car the kids from the other team would have their eyes popping out of their heads at the size of our center. Mr. Durand was as good as you could  get for a teacher and he treated everyone with dignity. My condolences to his family.

OBITUARY

Virgil R. Durand Jr.

July 26, 1930 – May 23, 2011

Ball & Dodd Funeral Home

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