Norman Durkee

Norman Ralph Durkee, age 91, died Friday morning Feb- ruary 28th, at Wentworth Douglas Hospital in Dover, NH. He was the son of Nancy and Ralph Durkee, was born and raised in Danvers and until recently, was proud to call Wenham his hometown. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Laura Durkee, and his four children; Steve Durkee and his wife Carol of Jacksonville FL, Karen Clarke and her husband Mike of New Durham, NH, Nancy Needham and her fiancee Frank Sholds of Manchester and Jeffrey Durkee and his wife Jamie of Marietta GA. He has 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren and a very dear family friend of 39 years, Peg Leblanc of Salem. Mr. Durkee graduated from Danvers High School, served proudly in the United States Navy during World War II, and was fondly known as "The voice of the radio" managing the Salem based Radio station WESX for 40 years. He even "lived" at the station for 4 days during the great "Blizzard of 78" so the public would continually be informed of storm happenings. He enjoyed sports, especially football; loved to dance with Laura when they were members of the Hamilton Wenham Couples Club, liked musical productions, and was very civic minded. He was a little league coach, served 4 terms in office as a Wenham Selectman, was a 32 degree Mason, Master of Danvers Mosaic Lodge, and a member of the Aleppo Shrine. He was also President of the Beverly Lions Club, President of the Beverly Chamber of Commerce, and Treasurer of the Council on Aging. After his retirement in 1987 he enjoyed cruising with his family, became a wonderful cook, and took great pride in nurturing his pristine lawn and fruit trees. Donations can be made in his memory to your local Alzheimer's Association. There will be a celebration of life service at the First Congregational Church in Wenham on Saturday March 8th at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at a later date.