Wayne Edward Durrant Jr.

1937 - 2026

Wayne Edward Durrant Jr.

1937 ~ 2026

- Wayne Edward Durrant Jr., 88, passed away peacefully on January 21, with his daughters at his side. He lived a full and adventurous life marked by service, humor, a deep love for family and friends, and keeping his hands busy with projects and activities in or out of his shop.

Wayne was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. He graduated from East High School and attended the University of Utah.

Wayne's strong work ethic began early. He proudly served in the Utah Air National Guard, which provided the technical foundation that would guide his professional life. His first full-time position was with the National Guard as a Ground Radio Repairman at Francis Peak. He served in the Guard for a total of 30 years (eight in full-time work, then part-time until retirement), ultimately attaining the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. The bulk of his service was spent as a Ground Radio Supervisor and later as a Quality Assurance Inspector for the 130th Electronics Installation Squadron.

Wayne later joined Utah Power and Light as an Electronic Technician, working with a wide range of electronic communication systems. He retired in 1998 after 22 years.

Throughout his life, Wayne generously used his technical skills in many side capacities-doing electrical work at his brother's bakery and at Bear Claw Valley, operating sound and lighting for a local performing group, recording church services, and much more.

After ten years of retirement, Wayne took on a role that brought him great joy-as a Walmart Greeter. True to form, he embraced it wholeheartedly, greeting customers with a cheerful "Howdy!"

He met his wife – his "one and only girl" -- while running the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. They were married over 60 years and the physical separation from her in the last year and a half of his life due to health issues was the hardest challenge he ever faced.

A child-at-heart, Wayne delighted in playfulness. He spent time and made memories with his children through river running, camping, rides on the tote gote, and through involving them in his projects. He also helped make the things they wanted happen, whether through coaching baseball, building pet cages, or working side jobs to provide opportunities for them.

Wayne adored his three grandchildren and cherished the time he spent with them. He always made sure to have a full and overflowing candy drawer, a bouncing knee, a silly face, or funny sounds. Nothing lit up his face more than seeing his grandchildren smile and laugh, and he was delighted to be their "Oompah".

Friends were also central to his life. He was a longtime member of Socotwa, a river-rafting and adventure group, that was foundational for many friendships, including a close-knit group known as the Key Club that was more family than friends.

He loved river rafting trips and camping (especially in the Uintas, at the annual neighborhood camping trips at the Spruces, and with his scouts and teachers' quorum members) and making his famous Socotwa stew. Wayne was well known for his trademark "Waynebow" suspenders, his Dutch oven cooking (especially his pineapple upside-down cake), and his extensive video and DVD collection that he freely shared with others. He enjoyed tinkering, river rafting, hiking, fishing, target shooting, and traveling with family and friends. After retirement, some of his favorite destinations included China, especially impressed by the Great Wall, and Branson, MO, where he and Deween spent several collective months working as "schmoozers" and attending every show possible. Wayne was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Wayne's passions were many. Perhaps his favorite hobby was amateur (ham) radio-call sign K7SVC. His home and Suburban were easily recognizable from afar by the antennae mounted on both. Ham radio was more than a hobby; it was a lifelong pursuit connected to his work, friendships, volunteer service, church emergency preparedness efforts, and countless conversations across the airwaves.

He was preceded in death by his son, Eric Wayne Durrant.

He is survived by his loving wife, Deween Durrant; his daughter Valerie (Joshua Bayer); his son Michael (Kari Murray); his daughter Cheryl (Lincoln Fillmore); and his grandchildren Alex Bayer, Niko Fillmore, and Sydney Fillmore.

Services:

A visitation will be held at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral home, 1007 West South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah on Sunday, February 1, from 5:00–7:00 p.m., and again on Monday, February 2, from 10:00–10:45 a.m. The funeral service will also be held at Jenkins-Soffe on Monday, February 2, at 11:00 a.m, followed by private internment at Utah Veterans Memorial Park (Camp Williams).

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the caregivers at Canyon Hospice and Abbington Senior Living, especially Kimmie, Saden, Nelly, Brittany, and Carolee for their compassionate and dedicated care during Wayne's final months. Their support was truly indispensable.

Wayne will be remembered for his service, his generosity, his gentle nature, and the joy he brought into the lives of all who knew him.

You can view the livestream of Wayne's services by going to his obituary page on Jenkins-Soffe.com