Daniel G. Durgin

Wells, ME / Spencer, MA Daniel G. Durgin, Sr.  69 of Wells, ME and formerly of Spencer, MA passed away suddenly on Monday after a tragic fall down a flight of stairs while helping his wife. He was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away. Dan leaves his wife of 47 years Catherine (Noonan) Durgin and three kids.  Dan Jr (wife Sarah) of Charlton, Julie of Webster, and Kate Sparks (husband Andrew) of Charlton.  He leaves his mother, Ann (Garant) Durgin, brother Donnie and sisters Diane and Deb and countless nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his brother David and father Donald Durgin.

Dan was born in Ware, MA, spent most of his life in Spencer,MA and then retired to Wells, ME.  Dan was captain of the football team for David Prouty and graduated in 1974.  It's there where he met the love of his love, Cathy (Captain of the cheerleaders) and their storybook life began together.  Dan went on to Norwich University and played football, as an all New England defensive end and graduated in 1978.  He married Cathy shortly after graduation.  He later earned his Masters degree from Worcester State in administration.

Dan began his career as a physical education teacher at David Prouty Junior High School from 1978 - 1994.  Dan loved his time as a coach for the boy's basketball team for many years, and loved his time coaching Prouty football defense.  He prided himself in the year his defense scored more touchdowns than the offense.

Dan started his administration career in North Brookfield for a year as assistant principal.  From there, he moved to Tantasqua Regional Junior High School as assistant principal.  He eventually became principal of TRJHS.  Dan became associate superintendent, and then superintendent.  He was the superintendent of schools for 7 years.  He served on the board of directors for Webster First Federal Credit Union for over a decade. He retired at age 55, and started a charter fishing business in Wells, ME - Sea-Gar Charters with his son Dan Jr, and grandson Dan III.  Dan earned his United States Coast Guard license, and became a registered Maine guide.

In his retirement his favorite joy was his 5 grandchildren (Dan III, Anna, Jason, Nora, and Lucas).  They lovingly referred to him as Bup, or Buppie. He was a great dad to his kids, but an even better grandfather and loved to spend every milestone with those kids, no matter how big or small. He was so easy to talk to and  put his family above all else.  He loved his boat, lobstering, and the camaraderie he had with the fellow charter boat captains in Wells Harbor. He enjoyed telling all his customers about his adventures in life and his work. He loved to see people happy after catching fish and had an endless supply of dad jokes.

Dan was quite the chef, especially in his retirement.  His favorite was cooking for his entire family and having everyone together - most recently Thanksgiving at their brand new house he just built in Wells.

He loved his cigars and drinks with his friends and family.  Everyone knew he loved them, but nothing compared to the love he had for his wife, it was palpable. His strong examples in life and love are forever instilled in his children's hearts.  We take great pride that he was an organ donor and will live on in the three lives he will save and make a great Christmas for these families, and up to 75 more with his bones and tissue.

Dan lived his life with no regrets.  Don't be afraid to ask for just one more cast, you never know when it will be your last.  We can't believe his story ends here.  He will forever live on in our hearts and memories.

A Funeral Mass for Dan will be held on Friday, Dec. 19th at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 7 Church St., Spencer (friends are asked to go directly to the Church).  Calling hours at the J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer are on Thursday from 4 to 7p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to the Wounded Heroes Program of Maine, P.O. Box 1797, Saco, ME, 04072.  This organization takes veterans out for a day of fishing - a charity that Dan participated in for quite a few years. Burial will be private at sea in the Spring.