Obituary of Michael Stephen Durkee

MICHAEL STEPHEN DURKEE, 56 of Islesboro, died at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor on July 19, 2009. He was the son of John Robert and Mary Leach Feeney. He was adopted in 1963 by George Durkee of Islesboro. He attended Islesboro Central School, Kent’s Hill School in Bethel and the University of Maine. As a young man, Mike apprenticed under Bernard Pendleton learning the painting trade, later in life establishing his own painting business, Michael S. Durkee Painting. He also owned Durkee Fuel Service on Islesboro for several years. He served as a volunteer on several community committees including the Board of Selectmen, Recreation Committee and was a former member of the Maine State Ferry Service Board. As an avid poker player, he spent many weekends with the local guys playing poker. He also enjoyed the time he spent at Foxwoods. He had a passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles and owned several over the years. He especially enjoyed tucking his little dogs, Pebbles and Millie, into his shirt and cruising the island on his Harley. He was married to Wanda Fairfield of Islesboro on October 17, 1971. He was predeceased by his mother, Mary Leach Durkee of Islesboro, his father John Robert Feeney of Connecticut and a brother Joseph M. Durkee of Islesboro. Michael is survived by his son, Matthew Michael Durkee of Islesboro and step-son Gerard “G-Man” Scherr of Islesboro; five sisters, Carolyn Durkee Leach, Susan Durkee, Carole Durkee Nichter, all of Islesboro, Christine Durkee of Tucson, Arizona and Jennifer Durkee Richardson of Mt. Pleasant, SC; five brothers, George Durkee IV of Limington, ME, Brian Durkee of Jacksonville, FL, Randy A. Durkee and Murton E. Durkee of Islesboro and Christopher J. Durkee of Bangor. He is also survived by many uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, many cousins as well as former wives, Wanda F. Gabel, Jean Perkins LaVerdier and Candace Collard Durkee; many, many friends. He leaves behind his two beloved dogs, Lucy and Sadie. Mike was proud of his Irish heritage and fulfilled his life-long dream of visiting Ireland in 2005 and again in 2006. A celebration of his life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25th at the home of Paul and Carole Nichter in Islesboro. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. On-line condolences may be placed at www.crabielripostafuneralhome.com. Death leaves a heartache, No one can heal, Love leaves a memory No one can steal. – From a headstone in Ireland