Walter Leland Durfee

BURLEY - Walter Leland Durfee, 92, of Burley, Idaho, passed away on Friday, Aug. 15, 2014. Walter was a devoted husband, father, Grandpa Durf, brother, son, and friend.

He was born June 29, 1922, in Almo, Idaho, to Lorenzo and Anna Abby Bruesch Durfee. He was the eighth of 12 children. Walter graduated from Raft River High School as co-valedictorian with his cousin, Barbara, and after, left home to work at the Sun Valley Lodge where he cooked for Bing Crosby, taught Ernest Hemingway to fly fish, and rubbed shoulders with Albert Einstein.

Walter Durfee joined the United States Navy during World War II and was stationed in Maui, Hawaii, as an Aviation Chief Metalsmith where he spent three years qualifying naval pilots for carrier landings. He achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Months before the war ended, Walter married Kenna Olsen on June 19, 1945, in San Diego, Calif., and they were later sealed in the Ogden Utah LDS Temple.

After the war, Walter graduated from the University of Utah in three years and then, along with Kenna, taught school for more than 30 years, including English, drama and driver’s education, eventually becoming the Superintendent of Driver’s Education for the State of Idaho, touching the lives of countless students. He spent his summers on a tractor custom hay bailing for the Wright family on Mary’s River Ranch, enjoying every minute in the out of doors and the camaraderie with the family and other ranch hands. Upon retirement from teaching, Walter became an insurance agent for Rain and Hail and worked for them for 21 years.

Walter enjoyed bowling and hunting, was an excellent cook, gardener, and storyteller, but his passion was fishing - especially with people he loved. He was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which gave him many opportunities to teach the gospel. Above all, Walter cherished his family and was a special favorite of his teeny birdies.

Walter’s sense of humor was always quick and witty. He lived each day with integrity, loved life, and never complained. He often said he had every thing in this life of which he had dreamed, “And how can a man beat that?”

Walter Durfee was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers; and three sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Kenna Durfee; daughter, Connie (Doug) Spaulding; sons, Brett (Kandace) Durfee, and Steve (Jody) Durfee; two sisters, Larae Taylor, and Bernus Waite; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Burley LDS 3rd and 7th Ward Church, 2200 Oakley Ave., in Burley, with Bishop David A. Hansen officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley, with military rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 1 until 1:45 p.m. Saturday at the church.

A special thanks to the caregivers at Warren House, Hospice, and Abigail’s In Home Care for their love and compassion.