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Douglas Durnin Obituary
Age 71, of Cedarville, Ohio, and formerly of Elmira, New York, died October 2, 2008. Doug was born April 1, 1937 in Harrisburg, PA, the son of James and Reba (Otto) Durnin. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Nan; daughter, Mandi (Brian) Hanson of Cedarville, Ohio; and son, R. Shawn (Christina Brooks) of Horseheads, NY. He is also survived by grandchildren, Melanie, Caleb, Brianna and Hayden Hanson; and step granddaughter, Brittany Cunningham; and step great-granddaughter, Hailey Pierce. Doug is also survived by sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Dona and Jack Colberg of Mechanicsburg, PA; and two nieces and a nephew and their families. Doug graduated from William Penn High School in Harrisburg, PA in June 1956. He attended the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL and graduated from Mansfield University in 1963. He also graduated from Ithaca College in 1967 with an MS in Music Education. Upon graduation from Mansfield University, Doug taught instrumental music in the North Penn School System in Blossburg, PA from 1963 to 1966. Doug taught instrumental music at Ernie Davis Middle School in Elmira, NY from 1966 to 1992, when he retired due to disability. Doug was principal trombonist for the Elmira Symphony and Corning Philharmonic Orchestras for 33 years; Past President of the Downtown Health Club in Elmira, NY. He played in many groups in the Miami, Florida and Elmira, New York areas including the Corning Community Band and Family Life Brass. He was a guest participant with the Cedarville University Symphonic Band and a member of the Greene County Adult Community Band. He is a former member of First Baptist Church, Horseheads, NY and Breesport Baptist Church, Breesport, NY. He is currently a member of Grace Baptist Church, Cedarville, Ohio. He also played in the orchestras of McGregor Baptist Church in Ft. Myers, FL, Breesport Baptist Church, Breesport, NY, and Grace Baptist Church, Cedarville, Ohio. Doug and Nan enjoyed wintering in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Doug's memory to the Student Ministries Fund at Grace Baptist Church, PO Box 12, Cedarville, OH 45314; or a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held at Breesport Baptist Church, Breesport, NY at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 10, with calling hours beginning at 10:00 a.m.
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Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Durnin
John Kalivoda
October 24, 2008
Nan; What I remember of the two of you is from long ago . . .Mansfield State College, the Esquires, the Concert Wind Ensemble, Bert Francis, Ben Husted - just to put out a few wrods that must ring some bells.
This writer is John and Marilyn Kalivoda. Life is so very short "...but a vapor" the Bible says. I used to have an impossible time trying to comprehend that - but no longer.
I have many memories of Doug, (though somewhat obscure now) but his fine character and pleasant disposition stand out very clearly. I always praise and give thanks to our Loving Heavenly Father for all those with whom He so wisely appoints to our acquaintance.
May God richly bless and comfort you and your family as you look to Him in this time of sorrow.
Pat and Mike Wald
October 11, 2008
Nan, Shawn, and Mandy,
Our thoughts are prayers are with you. Our daughter Juanita and son Steve loved taking lessons from Doug. Doug's love of music will live on through so many who knew him through Ernie Davis and the symphony. We will miss him.
Cindy (Stachowski) & Jack Decker
October 10, 2008
Both Jack and I knew Doug as first a teacher, and then a colleague. He was a marvelous musician, and a great man. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Jackie Gibson
October 9, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
ida ward
October 8, 2008
Hi doug, it is your old friend Ida God finally called you it took a while but he finally realized that it was time for you to join him. he knew that you were tired and needed to go to him to rest. God bless
Kathy DiNardo
October 8, 2008
I am so sorry to hear that Doug passed away. Sadly, on the same day that my father passed away. Two great men gone in one day. I learned so much from Doug while at Ernie Davis and also in the years after that, playing many gigs with him. I saw him a few years ago at a NYSSMA Solo festival and it was great to chat with him and relive old times. What a great sense of humor he had! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bill and Judy Wittman
October 8, 2008
Doug and I worked at Ernie Davis together and also played a few rounds of golf at Mark Twain. He will be missed on the golf course and in the music profession. He was a gentle giant. Please except our condolences.
Bill and Judy Wittman
Brenda (Quail) Wilkins
October 8, 2008
Mr. Durnin was one of my favorite teachers at Ernie Davis Junior High. Shawn ~ you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers for strength and healing during your time of sorrow. Heaven gained a wonderful angel. May he rest in peace.
Don Holtz
October 7, 2008
Driving the big van with Doug and the Nuns to Corning Band made Thursday nights just a little special. He is missed.
Mary Jane Todd Eckel
October 6, 2008
The Elmira City School District mourns the loss of Doug Durnin with his family. His retirement from Ernie Davis Middle School left big shoes to fill. He touched many students and colleagues with his work, not to mention the numbers of private students and organizations with which he performed. Please know we will remember him fondly, and will keep you close to our hearts.
Heather Kennedy
October 6, 2008
Shawn,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Heather
carol kennedy
October 6, 2008
Nan,
Mandi, Shawn and family,
It does not seem possible that Doug is gone. Who can forget his own special variety of humor and his glorious trombone tone? I remember so well our evenings at Horigan's after rehearsing for the Elmira Symphony. I was just talking with Larry the other day about how Doug would always get cheese and crackers and then share with me...how I thought wings were such a mess when he ordered them. Little did I know how quickly I would change my mind about the mess!
I bet he is already playing in heaven's orchestra.
Our hearts grant immortality
to those we love
in memory.
Carol, Larry and family
Ralph Sheppard
October 5, 2008
Nan, you and your family our in our prayers.
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