Community Obituaries

Paul Robert Durland, 74, of Salem, husband to Deborah Morse Durland, passed away December 1, 2023.

Born in Winchester, MA and raised in Melrose, MA, he was the son of the late William and Sonja Lawson Durland. Paul graduated from University of Massachusetts Amherst and did graduate studies at both UMASS Dartmouth and Bridgewater State. Mr. Durland worked as the Unite Director at Belchertown State School and Branch Manager at Metropolitan Insurance, but his true calling was as a History Teacher at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. He also served as a Student Conflict Mediator and a liaison to the New Bedford Youth Court. Paul had a passion for hiking, mountain and ice climbing, sailing, adventure, and travel. In his earlier days he also enjoyed flying. He was a member of the American Alpine Club and has climbed throughout Asia, South America, Europe, and the United States summiting over 20,000 feet on Stok Kangri and Illimani.  After retiring to Keowee Key, Paul enjoyed playing golf and shooting sporting clays and targets. For several years he was a volunteer with Blue Ridge Junior Golf and the Brooks Center. Mr. Durland was an active member of Fort Hill Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Deacon and Elder.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Morse Durland and a brother, Bruce Durland and predeceased by his brother William Durland.

A memorial service will be held at Fort Hill Presbyterian Church at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Paul and Deborah Durland Scholarship Fund at the South Coast Community Foundation, 128 Union Street, Suite 403, New Bedford, MA 02740.

Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home is assisting the Durland family.