Obituary of Richard F. Van Durme

Dansville – Richard “Dick” Van Durme age 96, passed away late Saturday night September 17 2016, at the Vincent House in Wayland. Dick was born in Dansville on January 25, 1920, a son of the late Henry and Clara (Martens) Van Durme. He was also predeceased by his son, Richard John Van Durme, his son in law, Peter Edwards, his sisters, Mary Hurlburt, Margaret Karnes, Alice Sullivan, Loretta Daniels, his brothers, Raymond, John, Louis, Phillip, and Nicholas Van Durme. He was a graduate of Dansville High School class of 1938, he then joined the U.S. Navy serving in England for WWII. After the war he came home to become part owner of the Hotel Dansville during the 1950’s, he then worked at Hughs Sporting Goods. He owned his own business’s Van Durme Tree Surgeons for over 40 years then Van Durme Exterminating for 30 Years. Dick was an Avid Hunter and fisherman, He was a junior hunter instructor. He wrestled in the Navy and was a wrestling coach in the early 60’s. He fancied himself a professional card player and he also owned race horses and raced them at Batavia Downs. He shook everyone’s hand as tight as he could and was a champion arm wrestler. Surviving in addition to his wife, Ruth (Barney) Van Durme, are his children, Maryalice Quackenbush, Paul (Lynda) Van Durme, Susan Edwards, Leslee (Jeremy Blackmon) Adams all of Dansville, a brother, Lawerence Van Durme, 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday September 21 from 4:00-8:00pm at the Hindle Funeral Home Inc., 271 Main St. Dansville NY, 14437. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday September 22, 2016, at 11:00am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 43 Elizabeth St. Dansville. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Dansville. Online remembrances may be left at HindlefuneralHome.com In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the Vincent House 310 2nd Ave. Wayland, NY 14572