Kenneth M. ‘Morris’ Durand

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(Oct. 4, 1937 - Nov. 7, 2014)

After years of enjoying Wyoming to its fullest, Kenneth M. “Morris” Durand died Nov. 7, 2014, in Buffalo at the age of 77. He was the family patriarch.

Morris with his wife Martha enjoyed spending their time in the outdoors fishing and hunting in many of the mountains and streams throughout Wyoming by themselves or surrounded by family.  

Local history and the people that made it was his favorite conversation down the trail in the pickup truck. Always a fly rod, rifle and the dogs along for the adventure; the true draw was the land itself. There is not a road, fence or gate in Wyoming that Morris was not proud to have worked on. He had a willingness to be a trailblazer making roads to the places he wanted to go — in full cooperation with the BLM, of course.  

He was a master equipment operator and in his life also worked as a logger, miner, sheepman, cattleman and hunting guide. He picked at a banjo and harmonica; and yes, he could dance.

Morris was born in Edgerton, Wyo., on Oct. 4, 1937.  

He was married to Rae Marie Hall for 30 years. They had four sons and a daughter.   

Morris married Martha on Valentine’s Day in 1998 in Buffalo. They lived in Casper, Lovell, Cowley and most recently in Rolling Hills, Wyo. He was always surrounded by his dogs, sheep, chickens, turkeys and any other animal that found a home with him.   

He was preceded in death by his son Duffy; daughter Helen; first wife Rae; brothers Pat and Howard; sisters Florence, Francis, and Lois; and his parents.

He is survived by his wife Martha; sons Chester (Tresamae), Kent (Katie) and Edward (Amy); daughters Diana Beauvais and Suzie Kuharski (Travis); 16 grandkids and three great-grandkids; brothers Harvey (Anne) and Russell (Trudy); sisters Charlotte Irigary and Elmay Jarvis; and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, in Buffalo at the House of Prayers, 701 Fir St., with a celebration of life to follow at the VFW.

Memorial donations may be made to the Big Horn School District No. 1 Office of Special Services PO Box 688, Cowley, WY 82420 for the establishment of a program for autistic children.

Memorials and condolences may also be sent to 78 South, Coyote Rolling Hills, WY 82637.

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