Obituary for Willard Durand
Willard Edward Durand
December 4, 1935 - February 24, 2024.
With heavy hearts the family of Willard Edward Durand announces his passing on February 24, 2024, in Olds Alberta at the age of 88. Willard is predeceased by his loving wife of 57 years Noreen Durand; parents Laurence and Nellie Durand; sister Anne Weyers and daughter in law Carol Durand. Willard is survived by his children Doug Durand, Tracey Smith (Randy), Brett Durand (Stacy); siblings
Velma Piket (Jack), Al Durand (Marlene), Hank Durand (Jan), Faye Menard (Dennis), Dot Petrie (Gordie), Sharon Dales (Marvin); 4 grandchildren: Jackie Cromarty, Tracey Klassen (Kevin), Chantel Durand (Richard), Dustin Durand; 8 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Willard and his seven siblings grew up in multiple communities across Alberta, including Red Cliff and Spondin to mention a couple. Willard eventually moved to Calgary to pursue a heavy-duty mechanics license.
While in Calgary Willard met the love of his life Noreen. They were married in July 1961 and spent the
next 57 years together. In 1970 they moved to Olds with their three children to start the family farm. Willard worked at the International Truck dealership, the Masey Ferguson tractor dealership, and eventually the Amerada gas plant. In 1981 Willard quit working at Amerada to become a full-time farmer. Willard and Noreen operated the family farm until they sold it in 1995 and retired to the acreage. Full retirement for Willard came to early, so he started driving truck for Olds Fertilizers & Agri Services in the spring and fall for another 20 years, until he fully and permanently retired in 2017 at the age of 81! Willard and Noreen travelled and enjoyed the company of friends and family through their retirement. Willard always took time for family and the people he cared about, ready to visit with anyone who wanted to talk. He will always be remembered for the devoted, loving, caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, and friend that he was to many. Willard will be deeply missed by all who knew him. RIP. A service for Willard was held at the Olds United Church on March 2 2024. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Olds Hospice Society or Heart and Stoke.
December 4, 1935 - February 24, 2024.
With heavy hearts the family of Willard Edward Durand announces his passing on February 24, 2024, in Olds Alberta at the age of 88. Willard is predeceased by his loving wife of 57 years Noreen Durand; parents Laurence and Nellie Durand; sister Anne Weyers and daughter in law Carol Durand. Willard is survived by his children Doug Durand, Tracey Smith (Randy), Brett Durand (Stacy); siblings
Velma Piket (Jack), Al Durand (Marlene), Hank Durand (Jan), Faye Menard (Dennis), Dot Petrie (Gordie), Sharon Dales (Marvin); 4 grandchildren: Jackie Cromarty, Tracey Klassen (Kevin), Chantel Durand (Richard), Dustin Durand; 8 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Willard and his seven siblings grew up in multiple communities across Alberta, including Red Cliff and Spondin to mention a couple. Willard eventually moved to Calgary to pursue a heavy-duty mechanics license.
While in Calgary Willard met the love of his life Noreen. They were married in July 1961 and spent the
next 57 years together. In 1970 they moved to Olds with their three children to start the family farm. Willard worked at the International Truck dealership, the Masey Ferguson tractor dealership, and eventually the Amerada gas plant. In 1981 Willard quit working at Amerada to become a full-time farmer. Willard and Noreen operated the family farm until they sold it in 1995 and retired to the acreage. Full retirement for Willard came to early, so he started driving truck for Olds Fertilizers & Agri Services in the spring and fall for another 20 years, until he fully and permanently retired in 2017 at the age of 81! Willard and Noreen travelled and enjoyed the company of friends and family through their retirement. Willard always took time for family and the people he cared about, ready to visit with anyone who wanted to talk. He will always be remembered for the devoted, loving, caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, and friend that he was to many. Willard will be deeply missed by all who knew him. RIP. A service for Willard was held at the Olds United Church on March 2 2024. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Olds Hospice Society or Heart and Stoke.