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PAUL C. DURAND |
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Paul |
Paul C. Durand, age 89, of Faribault,
died on June 2, 2007 at the
District One Hospital, Faribault. Services will be held on Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in the Boldt Funeral Home, Faribault. Interment will at the Maple Lawn Cemetery, Faribault. Visitation will be at the Boldt Funeral Home, Faribault on Tuesday, June 5, 2007, from 5 to 8 p.m. and also for one hour prior to the services on Wednesday. Paul was born on Oct. 24, 1917 to Dr. Casimir and Anna Durand. His family resided in Minneapolis, then lived in France for a short time before returning to Minneapolis and ultimately to Prior Lake. Paul spent four years in the Army during World War II, serving in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska and also New Orleans, LA. Paul married Dorothy Anderson on Feb. 14, 1963. He was employed by the federal government for more than 20 years, working in administration at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis and also at Fort Snelling. In 1998, they moved to Faribault. He was a humble man who found real joy in the simple pleasures of life; rides in the countryside (he usually chose the dusty gravel roads), hiking, reading books and conversation with friends and family. His lifelong passion was researching Dakota Indian place names and legends. Paul had published two books and maps on this subject. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, son Brian (Robin) Durand of Minneapolis, daughter Susan (Dean) Busse of St. Peter. Also three grandchildren, Ethan and Noah Durand and Sarah Busse; one sister in law, Helen Durand of Owatonna; two nieces, Bonnie Norman of Santa Monica, CA and Annette (George) Fiddler of Warrenton, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents and twin brother, Rene.
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I am so grateful for your life. Not only have you been a treasure to know, but you (and Dorothy) have provided my grandchildren and my daughter with a son so loving, responsible and of such an amazing moral quality. Such a son is not created without the input of a father and mother who have provided the opportunities and guidance to nurture this wonderful son. Paul was a role model who could exemplify those qualities - sincere, loving, hard-working, well-read, curious, honorable, gentle, and gentlemanly. This world needs so many more like him! I am sorry that Ethan and Noah only knew him for such a small portion of their lives. We will do everything we can to keep his memories and his unique qualities alive so that they, too, will have a role model and awareness of just how wonderful their grandfather was. I will miss you, Paul. Toby Elkins
Dorothy, Sue and Dean, Thoughts going your way at this time. Your Brother Caleb
Dorothy, Susie and Brian. I am so sorry to hear about Paul My sincere sympathies go out to you.
My sincere sympathies go out to you.
We were so sorry to hear about Paul & we are thinking of all of you in your loss. Dorothy, we have good memories of the night you & Paul spent at our home while you were in Watertown. It was so enjoyable sitting out on the patio listening to Paul's Indian stories. He was so interesting & easy to visit with. Love, Dan & Deb Martin
So sorry to hear of Uncle Paul leaving us. He was a wonderful man, always thoughful of the family and others. When we were kids I remember going out on the canoe by their home in Prior Lake. Paul took Brian and I one day. The little cove by their home was calm, you would be able to see the bottom on the lake, but when we paddled out in the big lake, the speed boats would stir up the water. It was a fun time to visit. Their home was always open for anyone. Dorothy, you have wonderful memories of your life together. Love Leanne, Jerry & boys
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. We still have a map of Paul's hung up and enjoy looking at from time to time. Jerry and JoAnne Dahl (Green Valley, AZ) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are sorry to hear about your loss. Our sincere sympathies go out to you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help out. Kevin and Judy Kramer
Uncle Paul was always happy--had a great laugh. Would talk to us about new findings of history. Last time we were with him--Jeff just listened--Paul talked--wonderful memories. When we were kids at home--Paul would drop Dorothy, Brian and Sue off and away he would go to Sisseton to talk to the Indians. Then when he came home--it was You know what Dorothy--I found this Indian and then the new found history would start in. Paul had so much love and respect for his family--always saying--when are you coming down to see us???? Yes the home was always open. Wonderful meals. Pictures to show and the relaxing time around the fireplace. Long may the memories live. Jeff & Carol
Condolences from Tops Group #681 of Prior Lake. Our prayers are with you. Emy Potter - 14503 Edgewood Avenue - Savage, MN 55378-2869
I had the chance to meet Paul only a few times spread over the last 17 or more years. I'm a friend of Brian and Robin, and can only share that I while I found Paul to be genuine and warm, I know he was an outstanding man because he raised an outstanding son. My thoughts are with the whole family, and I hope you take comfort in knowing his impact in this world continues in legacy.
Dorothy, Brian and Susie , I was sad to hear of Paul's passing. Talking with Brian on the phone brought back all the great memories of growing up in Prior Lake; the sleep overs, hiking through the woods in our back yards and of course the Chocolate Chip Cookies! Your family is a great blessing to me and I continue to be touched everyday. I now live next to the Boiling Springs in Savage and I remember Paul taking Brian and myself to see the springs when we were about 6 years old. I remember the stories he would tell of the Native American People and the great respect he had for them and their way of life. I remember his walks and jogs he would make from Prior Lake to Shakopee. I can still hear Paul's laugh, he was always positive and upbeat. Paul has a very rich spirit that will continue to touch people for a long time to come. I admired both Paul and Dorothy so much, they opened their home and you were always welcomed. You always wanted to do your best for them. Being 42 years old now I think about my Mom and Dad and all they taught me, I have learned that it is not the materials things that matter, but that our parents were always there for us. I appreciate the hard work it is to be a parent but I had great role models that help guide me today. Brian and Susan, I think God gave us the best of the best of parents. They weren't perfect but they shared the greatest gift of love and time. I remember my Mom and Dad sitting outside on a summer evening looking at the lake and from time to time your Mom and Dad would stop by to visit. I like to think that Paul, Ford and Rita are up in heaven enjoying a summer evening by the lake. We will keep Paul in our prayers, and look forward to seeing you all. Greg and Jill Thompson
While we have never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Durand personally, we are lucky to know his son, Brian and his family. Brian has always spoken very highly and proudly of his father. We know that he will be missed. The entire Durand family have our deepest condolences.
While we have never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Durand personally, we are lucky to know his son, Brian and his family. Brian has always spoken very highly and proudly of his father. We know that he will be missed. The entire Durand family have our deepest condolences.
What a beautiful soul! Paul, I did not get to talk with you as often as I would have liked, but every time I did was a great treasure. You were a fascinating man with tales from days gone by. I could listen to you for hours. You will be sorely missed.
The family will probably not know me. I did not even know Paul, but I became aware of him and his work during the Year of Reconciliation, 1987, I think it was. I purchased one of his maps of Dakota names and places, which I have framed and keep on display. His map work was such a labor of love, and I want his family to know I value it and will keep it forever!
Paul was a kind and gentle person who was engaging and easily befriended. One couldn't help but feel his infectious happiness flow through them and, in turn, pass it along. That spirit will continue to be passed and shared by every person Paul touched though his wonderful life.
Paul was a kind and gentle person who was engaging and easily befriended. One couldn't help but feel his infectious happiness flow through them and, in turn, pass it along. That spirit will continue to be passed and shared by every person Paul touched though his wonderful life.
I remember Paul quite well, saw him many a Sunday at our church gathering. My sympathies go to the rest of the family in this time of loss of one of the family. Its an experience I know well.
I just want to extend my sympathy in your loss, Dorothy. Thoughts go your way. Your sister, Martha