William H. Durr's Obituary
Bill is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carol Atkinson Durr of Pasadena, Maryland, his son Arin Wallace Durr of Woodbridge, Virginia, his daughter Cara Lyle Durr Galvis of Mountain View, California, his grandsons Milan Daniel Galvis and Tate Leon Galvis of Mountain View, California and Antonia Rose Durr of Wellsburg, West Virginia.
Bill spent his 31 year government career at NSA at Fort Meade. Upon his retirement he was able to spend full time at Hammock Island Marina, which he designed and built - beginning in 1972.
Among his many accomplishments Bill is best known for woodworking - especially restoring and building boats, both models and full sized. There is only one boat that he built from scratch, which is Parasol, a 19’ electric boat designed by Antonia Diaz and built in Bill’s workshop on the island. Two other boats that were long term and rather large projects were Griselda I, the Morris 36 sailboat, hull #1 and Griselda II the Tad Roberts designed 38’ powerboat which was built in the parking lot and finished off alongside the pier at Hammock Island. Both were used a lot but did not travel very far.
On occasion when Carol and Bill were traveling on group tours (beyond the Chesapeake Bay), Carol sometimes introduced him as Bill Durr, the Boat BuilDurr.
Memories of My Dad
Arin Durr
He was my hero, the person I admired the most, my confidant and my best friend. He was my go to for just about any questions on repairs, plumbing, electrical, history, politics, finance, a true renaissance man. He could build a fully functional boat, but I still had to help with the DVR and TV setup. I think he just pretended not to know though. The impacts he had on my life are unmeasurable and would take a lifetime to detail it all, but buy me drink I will certainly try. He will be so missed. I could not have asked for a better Dad.
Memories of My Dad
Cara Lyle Durr Galvis
Some favorite memories: His coming home from work early to take Arin and me to the local school’s field to play soccer with us which inspired a love of the sport. Dancing in the kitchen together before dinner. The value of a back scratch and back rub. We could have both the serious conversations and the goofball laughter sillies. He introduced me to detective novels and we’d discuss favorite authors. He shared his love of the art and joy of cooking, and his meals were restaurant worthy. His calm patience was something I wanted to instill in me and share that with my own kids. When I felt stuck or stressed he was the one I’d call, and he showed up as I needed him - to just listen or help redirect me. My dad saw me as I was and loved me for it!
Bill Has Set Sail on His Eternal Voyage
In Lieu of Flowers The Family Suggests
Contributions to the Tate Cancer Center
301 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061
Or A Charity of Your Choice
Our family appreciates all your support, love and prayers.
A Spring Celebration of Life Is Planned By Our Family.
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