Robert Walter Durham

Robert Walter Durham "Duke" January 19, 1935 - January 13, 2021 Resident of Brentwood Duke Durham entered into rest, January 13, 2021, after a brave battle with cancer. He is survived by his children Melinda Durham-Yost, David and Diane Durham, Debbie Durham and Anthony Mata "Kaseys Dad". He was known as "Be" to his grandchildren and very proud of them all: Jacob and Jenna Boyer, Stuart Boyer, Kasey Durham-Mata, Dustin Durham and Shayne Durham. He also has a beautiful great granddaughter Emmi Rae Boyer that would make him light up every time she visited. Duke was born on January 19, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan. He is predeceased by the love of his life Sharon Durham, his parents Walter and Mina Durham and sisters Barbara Durham, Kay Bercheni and Donna Durham. Duke grew up in Dearborn, Michigan where he attended Sacred Heart High School excelling at every sport he tried. Duke served in the United States Army, stationed in France, from 1954 - 1956. He took a trip to California in the early sixties with his Michigan buddies. After meeting Sharon Lutz, he was immediately smitten and put down roots in California. They married in 1963. Duke worked as an Operating Engineer receiving the honor of 50+ years in Local 3. Duke was a member of YMI at All Saints Church in Hayward for many of years. He was a baseball coach for the Hayward Continental Little League. Duke enjoyed playing golf with all of his buddies and even started a Monday afternoon golf game to make Mondays a little easier to bear. He loved playing poker with his friends in Hayward. Once he and Sharon moved to Brentwood, he hosted a Monday night poker game with the young dads on the street. This continued until he was unable to play. Duke made friends, young and old. On any afternoon, he could be seen talking with the neighbors and kids on his street and making them spiral apples upon request. He was such a giving man that once he bought his ride-on lawn mower, he would not only mow his own lawn but the neighbors lawns as well. He always quoted Forrest Gump and said "They let me mow their lawns for free". To say that this man will be missed is an incredible understatement. We love you Be, thank you for being the best role model for all of us. We will see you again but until that time we will continue to keep you in our hearts and our lives.