Durand, Vernal Raymond
It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our father, Vern R. Durand, on September 3, 2024, in Blacksburg, VA. Vern was surrounded by his four beautiful, cherished, loving daughters, and beloved wife Jan, holding his hand as he took his last breath. Vern had a room full of love with him as he left this world. Vern was 88 years old, born February 27, 1936, in Sand Lake, Wisconsin.
To cherish his memories, Vern leaves behind the love of his life, his wife Jan Durand of 23 years, his sister BerDella (Bea) Durand, his children; Diane (Mark) Gustafson, Ellen (Tim) Scully, Karen (Greg) Wilkey, Jennifer (John) Pinkston, Paul Durand and his grandchildren; Elliott Gustafson, Christopher Pike, Douglas Johnson, Ryan Wilkey, Pete Wilkey, Marie Wilkey, Heather/Sky Pinkston and Gray/Clover Pinkston. He was preceded in death by his mother, Vera M. (Bowers) Durand, and father, Ray V. Durand.
Vern was blessed with great problem-solving abilities and skills. Vern was a planner, an organizer, and a leader in so many ways. Vern was an experienced mentor who provided guidance and valuable advice to many. His legacy is his kindness, understanding, patience, confidence, motivation, curiosity, and determination. Vern loved interacting with people, and he was loved by so many. As a Hearing Aid Specialist, he dedicated his life to helping people hear better and specialized in diagnosing and treating hearing loss with hearing aids. Vern owned Hearing Aid Centers in several locations throughout Florida during his career. Vern was respected and admired by his colleagues and dedicated his life to helping people improve their hearing and quality of life for decades.
Vern was a great storyteller, and he captivated people with his gift. Vern was a great entertainer, he loved singing country western songs and playing his guitar for people. Sadly…none of his children can sing. Vern was a great golfer and loved to play golf with family and friends. Vern was an animal lover and shared a deep connection with his pets. Vern was a proud veteran having served in the U.S. Army as a Medic during the Korean War. Vern had a great life full of love, laughter and living it to the fullest
At Vern’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. A special thanks to a wonderful and caring friend of Vern and Jan’s, Frederick Carpenter for all his help. The family wants to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Lewis Gale Hospital Montgomery in Blacksburg, VA for their daily and attentive care of him during his time in the hospital, and his palliative and hospice care. We appreciate their incredible and compassionate care and treatment ensuring his comfort with dignity, respect and kindness making his journey easier. One of his last pieces of advice was as Toby Keith sang “Don’t Let the Old Man In.”
