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Martin Durrant Obituary
77 passed away peacefully in his home on July 16, 2012. Martin was born on February 11, 1935 in Evanston, Wyoming to Clifton and Minnie Durrant. He graduated from Brigham Young University with his Bachelor's of Art degree and obtained his Doctorate of Philosophy at Arizona State University in 1975. Martin concluded his teaching career as Chair of Chairs; retiring from Mesa Community College. Martin married Linda Johnson, the love of his life in Mesa on July 7, 1961. They were proud parents and grandparents of 6 loving children and 14 grandchildren. As a member of the LDS Church, Martin served as Bishop, Stake President, Mission President of the Peru Lima North Mission and Patriarch. Martin enjoyed visiting with his family, riding horses and being outdoors. He is survived by his wife Linda, 6 children, Sean (Lynette), Craig (Tina), Michelle (Rex), Neil (Synthia) Charlene (Tom) and Julie, 14 grandchildren, brothers Robert and Richard and sister Mary Richins. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at the Chandler Alma Stake Center, 2252 W. Mesquite St., Chandler, AZ 85224. Bueler Chandler Mortuary
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Memories and Condolences
for Martin Durrant
Gerald Evans
December 14, 2021
President Durrant was a true disciple of Jesus Christ and a dedicated leader of the missionaries of the Peru Lima North Mission. I will be forever in debt for his willingness to teach me how to follow the spirit and boldly teach of Jesus Christ and the restored gospel. May we all have "la chispa" that he taught us to carry in our eyes as we align our lives with the teachings of Christ and share the good news of the gospel with others.
Daegan Durrant
April 22, 2021
I know i never really got to know you but i really really love you! i hope your having a blast!
jan
July 26, 2012
Teeny was a great uncle. I wish I had told him so again when I saw him last April.
May peace be with all of you who knew him and appreciated his many kindnesses.
When I hear a cornet I'll always think of him.
Goodbye dear Uncle,
Neil Durrant
July 26, 2012
What will I do without you on earth? I feel like your horse kicked me in the gut and I cannot catch my breath. How lucky I am to call you my father and the grandfather to my children. I am blessed that you got to know Hunter and Daegan before you passed. You are forever love. Please listen when I need to speak to you. Forever your son.
Charlene Renee Durrant Brandl
July 25, 2012
Dear Daddy - how I miss you every moment of every day. I'm trying to be strong for Mom and hope that you're looking down on us with a smile on your face. God must have really needed you to take away such a valiant and wonderful servant of the Lord, but for us, we will always miss our dear father, the head of our family, our patriarch, my dear sweet Daddy... I miss and love you to the moon and beyond. Please watch over us. You will never be forgotten.
Martin and Cheryl Howey
July 25, 2012
We served together for many years, and to this day, I continue to apply the lessons you taught me through word, and more importantly, through your example. We had so much fun attending Conference, skiing, going to dinner, and just being friends. I'm a much better person because our paths crossed, and I will forever treasure the great times we had and the things I learned from you. Cheryl and my sympathies are with your dear wife, Linda, and your family. I know those who have been waiting patiently for your arrival in the Spirit World must be overjoyed, but those whom you left behind are saddened, but hopeful to once again be with you. If the opportunity presents itself, would you please say a kind word and put your foot in the door to keep it open for me? I look forward to the day when we can be reunited and continue our friendship and work for the Kingdom together. We love you, Martin... our lives have been so blessed because of your genuine love and kindness and unselfish service for us!
Martin and Cheryl Howey
July 25, 2012
How saddened we were to hear of your passing, my dear and treasured friend. We served together for many years and I still to this day, apply the lessons you taught me by your example and teachings. You will be greatly missed, but welcomed I'm sure, by those who anxiously await your appearance in the Spirit World. The mark you have left on those whose lives you touched will have eternal consequences beyond anything you could have dreamed of. Cheryl and I express our love and deepest sympathy for Linda and your wonderful family. If you have an opportunity and feel so prompted, please put in a good word for me and jimmy the lock on the gate so I can slip in to be with you once again. You will be sorely missed!
Norman & Jane Stowell
July 21, 2012
The Lord has gained a 5 star general to help in the missionary effort on the other side, the world has lost a shining star and great example for others to follow. We will miss him deeply.
I so enjoyed shaking his hand and giving him a hug every time we met. He would ask how I was and I could truthfully say I am better now than I was a few minutes ago. He had the ability to make all around him better, just by being near him.
There are 3 names on my membership record of great men, my father who ordained me to all priesthood offices except when I was ordained a Bishop, by President Hatch and then by President Durrant who ordained me a Seventy. I will forever cherish his name on my membership record.
May you know of our love for you and your family, you are and will be in our prayers. We look forward to meeting him again.
Iva Lou Shepherd
July 20, 2012
Dear Linda and family,
Martins "Minor family cousins" want to express their sadness at his passing. We have so many good memories of happy times spent in Evanston with the Durrant family. He was a great example of spirituality and love of family. We will surely miss him. Our prayers are with you and your family Linda. We love you. Ivy, Doug and Gayle
Kevan and Shari Weaver
July 20, 2012
Pres. Durrant and family, please accept our deepest sympathies and love. If a man's greatness is measured by his influence on those around him, Pres. Durrant can be counted among the best. You will be missed, and God bless.
María lily Vásquez de Dávalos
July 20, 2012
Querida hermana Linda: Es mi oración que el Señor le dé consuelo al igual que a toda su familia.
Mi querido Presidente, solo tengo palabras de agradecimiento para él, por su amor y su confianza en mi, por ayudarme a ser una mejor Representante del Señor, siempre lo recordaré con mucho amor.
July 20, 2012
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María Lily Vásquez de Dávalos
July 20, 2012
Apreciada Hna. Linda y familia; es mi oración que el Señor los consuele por esta gran perdida del Patriarca de su familia.
Recuerdo a mi querido Presidente como un hombre amoroso, paciente, dispuesto a enseñar en todo momento, preocupado por cada uno de nosotros sus hijos Misioneros, lo amo, agradezco por su confianza en mi y ayudarme a desarrollar mi potencial como representante del Señor, siempre lo tendré en mi corazón y en mis mejores recuerdos.
Con amor: Lily Vásquez de Dávalos
Jerry Gariety
July 20, 2012
My life has never been the same since I first met Pres. Durrant. His influence will be felt, though unknown to them, by future generations yet unborn. Thank you presidente, I love you!
Richard & Joyce Durrant
July 20, 2012
Martin: You will never know how much we loved and respected you. You have been a great example for us to follow. You will be missed more than your family will ever realize by both of us. Who will we call for all those gospel questions now? Our heartfelt love to Linda and your children (and their families).
Patrick Youngblood
July 20, 2012
Our hearts are greatly saddened by the passing of such a great man. To the entire Durrant family, we offer our sincere gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the association we have with you. President Durrant is one of the great men of our time. He came to this Earth with a specific purpose - and he accomplished his purpose. We love you President and look forward to seeing you again. President, your impact on my life is incalculable.
Scott Huber
July 20, 2012
As one of the many missionaries that served under President Durrant, his love for others and his dedication to the Savior will have long lasting effects. My life was greatly influenced by him and I truly enjoyed my regular interactions with him. He had a huge impact on the direction of my life. My wife and I cannot be in attendance this weekend to honor him and his life, however, we love you Sister Durrant and will continue to pray for you and your family. May God bless you and comfort you!
Scott and Teresa Taylor and Family
July 20, 2012
A deep appreciation and respect for mentoring us as young missionaries. You taught us through inspired words and by example. These teachings still guide us. Both you and Sister Durrant have taught us about serving the Lord faithfully. We are thankful for having a most memorable missionary reunion and will forever remember those days with you gathered around your missionaries. So many traveled from so far just to see you and be with you. We pray that Sister Durrant, your children and grandchildren will be comforted at this time.
Mike and Chrisan Coffey
July 20, 2012
Aunt Linda and Family, we grieve the passing of Uncle Martin with you. What a great example of Christlike attributes and love. He blessed so many lives and left a great legacy. We wish we could be with all of you in celebrating his life. All of our love to you! We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Craig Burton
July 19, 2012
One of the best and most influential men I've ever known. So much of who I am today can be attributed to the the example in both word and action of President Martin Durrant. You'll be sorely missed. Que Dios te bendiga a ti y a tu familia por la chispa que nos compartieron.
Ron Gatherum
July 19, 2012
President Durrant, you will be sorely missed. It was you who kept me grounded and focused on our missionary work while in Peru. You were and are an inspiration to me and you will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for all you did while here in this existence. Best wishes to the Durrant family.
MARIA FLORES CRUZ
July 19, 2012
HNA LINDA Y FAMILIA.
SIEMPRE RECORDARE A MI AMADO PRESIDENTE DE MISION, POR TODAS SU ENSEÑANZAS Y GRAN HOMBRE DE DIOS. HNA LINDA DURRANT DIOS LA CUIDE Y PROTEJA CON LA FORTALEZA ESPIRITUAL Y MUCHAS BENDICONES.
Christian Airth
July 19, 2012
President Durrant or maybe now I can call you Martin,
Thank you for your influence in my life as a young man, it was invaluable. It was so great to see you one more time before you passed on last October. Thank you for taking time to make the trek to Utah to visit all of us, what a great reunion! May God bless you and your family always for your great service to so many.
Louise Bowman
July 19, 2012
Lives around the world are so much better for knowing you and your wonderful family. KNOW you are loved and prayed for. We are here for you.
Ken Kanady
July 19, 2012
Pdte. Durrant, you will never know the vast impact that you and sister Durrant have had on my life. Countless times have I asked myself if I am hot or cold in serving our Lord. You once told me, toward the end of my mission that when you are sealed with your wife in the temple, you do not receive until later the witness that you will be together forever. I received that witness in the temple a very short time ago after 21 years of marriage. Thank you presidente. I love you and your family and cannot wait to see you again.
Stacee Durrant-Rivas
July 19, 2012
Uncle Martin, what an amazing man you are. I am so thankful for the time that we got to spend together in May. I see so much of my Dad in you and so much of you in him. I know that if he could talk he would tell you that he loves you and that he will see you again. I know that you are having a long anticipated reunion in Heaven, you are going to need earplugs with Judy and Jeanette! I love you!
Aunt Linda and family, know that our hearts, thoughts and prayers are will you. Please call if we can do anything.
lita sosi afatasi
July 19, 2012
my heart goes out to sis. durant, so bless to know that families are forever, he will surely be miss by many, condolence to the durant family
Greg and Michelle Boswell
July 19, 2012
We send our love and sincere condolences to Hermana Durrant and the Durrant family. We have so many fond memories of Presidente Durrant. We wish we could be with you on Saturday to celebrate his life. Please know that we are thinking of you. We love you.
Steve Coffey
July 19, 2012
Uncle Martin, You are the pillar of strength for the Durrants and the extended family. You have spiritually nourished and nurtured us with your faith, scripture knowledge, strong testimony, shining example, and love of family and friends. We, your family left on earth mourn your loss, and be lonesome without your company. The heavens will rejoice your coming and the celestial family that have preceded you, will welcome you with wide open arms. We will miss the meals and your companionship at Abuelos. May God bless your remaining earthly family with tranquility and serenity. And wipe the tears we weep with his almighty hand. We love you, and will work diligently to earn a reunion with you and the rest of our celestial family. Steve, Laura, and the Coffey Family
Scott & Teri Coffey
July 19, 2012
Many happy memories. Thanks for your examle and love for all. To my Aunt linda and cousins we love you all and you will always be in our hearts and prayers.
July 19, 2012
Uncle Martin was a special man in my life. He was so caring of others.To Aunt Linda and family Our love and prayers are with you.Scott and Teri Coffey
Allison Stevens
July 19, 2012
Uncle Martin, you have touched all of our lives. I have so many happy memories of you. You will be missed. -God be with you till we meet again-
July 19, 2012
Buen Hombre, Buen Padre,Buen Presidente y amigo. te extranaremos
Bern Porter
July 19, 2012
Sister Durrant and family -
Martin was a wonderful man and a great leader in the Church. All who knew him loved him.
May the many memories he helped create find root in your hearts and bring sweet recollection to your minds as you both mourn and celebratge his life.
He awaits, with open arms, and will greet you all when you join him in the celestial kingdom. God bless...
July 19, 2012
We remember Martin with fond memories. May the Lord bless you and your family at this time.
Gordon and Sandra Morris
Felipe Bravo
July 19, 2012
Presidente Durrant, fué y será mi Gran Maestro, un padre y u Lider a quien recordaré siempre, influenció para bien en mi, le estaré agradecido eternamente.
Felipe Bravo S.
Mike Rush
July 19, 2012
President Durrant was a great mentor, teacher, and leader. He and his wife were and always will be remembered as a great inspiration and example for so many whose lives they touched.
Hasta pronto, Presidente! Un gran abrazo a todos tus seres queridos.
Quinn Brinkerhoff
July 19, 2012
He is a great man and teacher. I learned a lot from both of you. I think about you guys all the time. The two years of my mission were some of the best in my life so far. My life will forever be blessed because of you guys. May we always have "la chispa"
Michelle (Durrant) Gardner
July 19, 2012
We love you so much, Dad
David and Tracey Miller
July 19, 2012
See you later dear friend. You have taught the great lessons of life with example and testimony. The heavens rejoice with your return. The earth weeps with your absence. God bless your family and all who looked to you as their anchor.
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