Bob was born in Minneapolis to Felix and Cecilia Webster Durand on January 7, 1941. As a small boy he moved to Jamestown N.D. where he went to grade school and graduated high school from St. James Academy. He attended Carroll College graduating with a business degree. His professional career included pharmaceutical sales, USF&G Insurance and ending his career with the Insurance Commissioner Office.
Bob enjoyed and pursued a variety of interests and hobbies. With a mind of a researcher and the skilled hands of an artist he completed to perfection many projects throughout his lifetime. From sailing to Hawaii, to restoring vintage boats and cars, to collecting and painting model cars and trains he found peace and satisfaction in his hobbies. One of Bob`s greatest artistic creations, which he was most proud of, replicates the Great Northern, Northern Pacific, and the Milwaukee railroads traveling through Montana. The layout also includes the Two Medicine Bridge, Helena Depot and stores across the street and Beattie Park.
With his friends and wife Dee, Bob shared years of good times and laughter. A good sense of humor and sparkle were requisites to be part of the family. Bob brought both with great gusto.
Survivors include his wife Dee Dickey Durand, children Diane Durand, Tom Durand, Bill (Anesia) Durand, Pat Benson, Bridgette Benson (Daryl South), grandchildren Billy Durand, Marissa Durand, Nick Durand, Brianne Benson, Katie Benson and Chris (Colleen) Benson and great granddaughter Paislee Benson. Brother and sister in-law Rob and Michelle Dickey, 2 nieces and special nephew Larry Durand and his beloved dog, Maggie.
Preceded in death by his parents and his brother Larry Durand.
A vigil will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 25th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street. A funeral reception will follow the Mass at Jorgenson’s Restaurant, 1720 11th Avenue. Rite of Committal will be at 4:00 p.m. at Resurrection Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday July 25, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Mass of Christian Burial
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 26, 2016
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing St
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Tuesday July 26, 2016
Jorgenson's Restaraunt
1710 11th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
4:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 26, 2016
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday July 25, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Mass of Christian Burial
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 26, 2016
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing St
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Tuesday July 26, 2016
Jorgenson's Restaraunt
1710 11th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
4:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 26, 2016
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Lynn and Sharon Michel says
Dee, we are so sorry to hear about Bob. We have very fond memories of the two of you while we were all boating at “The Gates of the Mountains”. What great times we had! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brianne Benson says
He was my papa and I love him so very much and I know nanny misses you more than anything. But we now know your up there making new cars and train set and sailing the seas! I love you papa! Please watch over all of us and specially nanny!
Duane Bakken says
I first met Bob when I was the Commander of the Helena Coast Guard Aux. As Bob was an excellent Sail boat operator and we Coast Guard instructors needed a person of his wisdom and knowledge I ask him if he would like to instruct a class for us and he agreed. That was a start of our good friendship . Bob I will miss you. I hope for your safe Journey I have some very good memories of my time spent with Bob at the Gates of The Mountains Boat Club . During the summer when he first retired. We spent several days that summer boating, cooking and of course tipping up a few
Love You Bob and Happy Sailing.
Larry & Sharon Pfeiffer says
Sure glad we got to see both of you on the holiday weekend. Enjoyed Bob and his passions and will always remember the 50’s parties at your place in Fox Ridge….See you soon Dee.
Maureen Dineen Fisher says
Dear Dee, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. It is so very hard to loose the one that you have shared so much of your life with. Heartfelt Sympathies and love to you. Remember the memories and let them comfort you! God Bless!!
Tom Naegele says
Dear DeeDee,
So sorry for your loss. Know that the Naegele’s are sending Supportive & Loving Prayers to you & Family. God is giving his healing hugs 24/7.
Kathy Krebsbach says
Bob was Papa Choo Choo to many of us. A dear soul who had a special passion for building the most spectacular train sets, loved boating, classic cars and how about that unforgettable beautiful wooden boat. I will never be able to thank you enough for all the fond memories of boating with the grandbabies, all the treasured advise, encouraging words and holidays that Dee always made so special. This is the man who taught me how to do my first budget as a young person trying to figure out how to balance life’s expenses on little to nothing. Miss Katie and Christopher treasured you so very much and you will be missed each and every day. But we know that you will be their guardian angel to be there and help guide them through journeys and help to watch over their most blessed Nanny.
We love you Bob and know that you are up there with the good Lord above once again putting all those passions and skills to good use and showing them upstairs how to make a real train set.
Marci Lynn says
Dear Dee and Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Leon and Marsha Belville says
Dear Dee- We are so very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Dorothy Thiede says
Dear Dee and family…I am so very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing….I was just reminiscing of his birthday party at Fox Ridge last week…my thoughts and prayers are forever with you
Katie Dolan Kauffmam says
Dear Dee sending comfort and peace to you at this difficult time.
John Holbrook says
I consider it a privilege to have known Bob, and enjoyed his friendship throuhout the years we spent together at the Commissioner’s Office. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and genuine caring nature that spoke volumes of his charter. I will miss him, and our chats at the Early Bird.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers. God Bless.
Kathleen Hamill says
Dee and Family, so sorry to hear of Bobs death. He was an amazing man with so many facets and interests. Our hearts and prayers are with you. Kathy and Maury Hamill
Kerry Schaefer says
Kerry and Phyllis Schaefer
Bob was always a joy to visit with. Easy to laugh and always so comfortable. We know he will be missed, but lots of wonderful memories follow him
Carl Peil says
Dee, saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I’m sure if Hank were able his prayers would be with you also. Sorry we can’t attend the services – we are in what I think was one of Bob’s favorite places (Seattle) Carl & Pam Peil
Edie Wheat says
Dear Dee, So very sorry to read of your hubby’s passing. In the times we saw each other, I could feel how very happy you were and what a blessing it was that you and Bob were together.
I’m so sorry I can’t attend the services .
May Peace be with you dear Dee……….
I send my “Keep On Keepin’ On” Spirit to you……….
Love,
Edie Wheat
Terry Myhre says
Smiles, laughter, jokes, a handshake….a few words that describe Bob. He was a wonderful
person to be around! I feel very fortunate to have joined him for golf, coffee, or a toddy.
He was a kick to be around, Dee you should write a book about things Bob said and did……it would be a best seller!
I feel very fortunate to have known Bob, and fortunate to know Dee!
Sincerely,
Terry Myhre
Paula Jacques on behalf of the Canyon Ferry Yacht Club says
We started sailing on Canyon Ferry after Bob Durand was no longer active in the club, but knew his sailing friends and have heard the stories! As I am sure he knows, we toasted him from Anchor Bay on Saturday night. Sail on, Bob!
Fred/Judy Bakke says
We are thinking about Dee, please know I am with you every minute of these sad times, their are so many memories of Bob, He will be remembered a very long time, I love you Dee and pray you can ‘rise above it’, Bob is in your heart and will be forever, You are a strong person , I have no doubt you will be OK. God Bless you and all of Bob’s family..I am here if you need me.
Joe Munzenrider says
Dee, I’m so sad to hear of Bob’s passing. I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you move ahead without him. Bless you, and your family.
Dewey and Rosana Skelton says
Dee ,We were so sorry to here about Bob; we will smile when we think of him tulling around in his convertible – top down , of course. Our thoughts and condolences to you and your family.
Larry Nelson says
Many wonderful memories working with Bob at USF&G from 1984 to 1992. All of us Department Heads and spouses would enjoy each other’s company at our monthly dinners out.