How many people actually love you enough to choose a name for you, to call you something -- something more endearing -- something other than the name your mama gave you? Like commy... or pinko... or another name I love to this day... "Rando!" He'd holler out across that beautiful grassy space in front of their trailer by the beach... bring his chair down to more level ground where we could sit and catch up -- celebrate our past, enjoy our present, put our own spin on the state of the future... politics, religion... everything people aren't supposed to bring up we'd bring up. Back when I was 16 or so the time I invested chewing the fat with Ken was usually aimed at finding ways to wedge my way deeper into Kristy's world... he knew this of course and was, nevertheless, very gracious... I remember how he used to jaw back and forth with Diane... one time he asked her "dear, do we plan to eat sometime today..." I don't remember what she said -- but she gave him the business... I used to love how they would just let it rip... it still helps me love my wife to this day... anyway, after Diane probably told him to get up off of his ass and cook something if he was hungry... I think he turned to me and said one of the funniest things I've ever heard... "Rando, I'm so hungry I could eat the butt out of the skunk..." Lately, however, our talks were about remembering the good old days... I enjoyed listening to him marvel at how we had all actually grown up and were making lives for ourselves... sometimes his face would get flushed and his eyes would glisten... and I'd think to myself -- "this man really loves me -- and I love him, like a dad, an uncle, a friend..." He was proud of me... like a son. This summer I plan to be there a lot... I plan to take time to talk to Ken in all of those precious, holy spaces out there by the lake... where we enjoyed each other and all the good things God gave us to share "at the campground." I'll have a Scotch, I'll think about how often he had an awareness of how good his life was -- he would talk about that all the time ... I'll think about how that still helps me to be thankful for my own life and all that I enjoy here and now. Thanks for loving me Kenny boy -- I miss you man... I'll talk to you later...

Rando

15 years ago

I could eat the butt out of A skunk

Jeff Muller

15 years ago

Randy...Thanks for this post...I'm laughing through my tears. Thanks for your call yesterday. Looking forward to seeing you this summer.

Warm. That's the word that describes him. I only knew him for a short time, but during that time, he made me feel as if I was part of your family. He always told me he looked forward to my visits, and I believed him. He wasn't just saying that. I can't believe it's already almost been one year. I remember going to the funeral home that first night and I kept saying to myself "what are we doing here?" because I never dreamed I wouldn't get to share so many more happy times with him. I am grateful to God for bringing your whole family into my life.

I had the pleasure of coaching with Dur and Marty DeJong for two years. I learned so much from both of them. Dur had a heart of gold and I always looked forward to seeing him. Over the years we rarely saw one another, but when we did it was such a special reunion. There are some very special people in my life that are in heaven and I have been reassured by a 5 year old that they're taking care of my friend, Dur.

Kenny was not only a true gentleman to women but he was a "Man's man" as well. Always quick with a joke, Kenny could instantly read my disposition and offer a comment that would brighten my day. I always looked forward to Kenny's trips to Cleveland so he could visit the Pope family and golf with relatives or my Father-in-Law Tom Pope whom he called "Uncle Tom". They had a very special relationship built on competition and mutual respect. I never realized what a bond that golf could create between two people but I do now. Kenny was the kind of guy you are lucky to meet once in a lifetime-he glowed with warmth. Ken was so loved by his female cousins in Cleveland that they used to give him back rubs when they saw him! Boy did he ever enjoy that!! Ken & Diane Durian's marriage and relationship was never a question mark. They were in love and trusted each other implicitly. This was always such a great thing to see-it set an example to all who met them. I now know that Kenny's life was about being an example of god's love. Kenny was always wanting to know how YOU were or those YOU care about. You had to directly ask him how HE was because that just wasn't important to Ken when he was with you. Never a bad word about others and always saying things that were positive and funny-that was Ken Durian. He has touched so very many lives while being in this earth that he may very well be an Angel now. It is so sad that we will not be able to see him again while we are on earth but I know for sure that if I get to heaven I will once again see my good friend Kenny which really gives me something to look forward too. We will miss you so much Kenny-please keep an eye on us-we need you still.

Although I only knew Kenny for a short four years, he made a profound impact on my life. To witness firsthand a man that never had a bad word to say about anyone was truly remarkable. Kenny was always upbeat and in a great mood. I never saw him have a bad day. After many long Tuesdays at The Moors during Men's League, I would sit with Kenny and Cecil as they scored the league at their regular spot near the foyer entry. That was always my favorite time of the day because it enabled me to relax and spend some time with two of my favorite people. Kenny was a true giver and I am a better person for having known him. I just wish I could have spent more time with him. I will miss you buddy!

I’ve known Ken for years as a result of his friendship with my parents. I have especially fond memories of him from the couple of years that I played with him in the KCHS booster club golf outing. His one-liners had all of us laughing for the entire round (and then some). He had such a huge smile and a kind heart. I will miss him.

I did not know Ken well but after attending the memorial service today and hearing the witnesses of daughters, family and friends, I surely wish I had known him better. I worked in Fine Chemicals for more than 30 yrs but did not really come to know Ken until the last few years when I became VP for the operation. I wish I could have played a few rounds of golf with him. My prayers go out to his beautiful wife and daughters and all his family. May God strengthen them in this most difficult time.

My memories of Ken are from my childhood. I remember him always to have a smile on his face. I remember his laugh. I remember him being so much fun to be around. I am so broken hearted to know that he is gone from this life, but know that heaven is a better place with him there. I know God has a special plan for him in eternity. Diane, Kristy and Susan, you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God supply you with what you need in the comming days to carry on.

I will always remember Mr. Blue Eyes coming in the mailroom at the Upjohn Farm and singing a song to me. He always made my day when him and Dale would come in and talk. One thing I really liked about Kenny was how he always referred to Diane - as his "Bride" what a wonderful term of endearment. We are all very lucky to have known such a wonderful soul! He is going to be missed soooo much! God is the lucky one now.

Kenny was a special friend with a giant heart. He touched so many with his genuine personality and selfless nature. Kenny had the innate ability to bring joy and laughter to all that came in contact with him. It was evident to me that he had reached an extreme level of peace and happiness in his life, and he lived every day to its fullest. I am truly a better person for having known him, and am honored to be able to call him my friend.____I will miss you and cherish the times we spent together forever!

The bond between us was so strong. Half of me has died. I pray that the Lord will give me strength to carry on.

The bond between us was so strong. Half of me has died. Lord, give me strength to carry on.

I love this man. I miss him so much already. Kenny was a special person who made everyone around him feel special. He loved his family and friends so much. My heart goes out to the family. Ken only lived 57 years but they were quality years. He touched so many lives. I feel so lucky to have shared the times with him and know him the way I did, I will cherish it forever. Palm Springs will never be the same without you - my life will never be the same without you - but I am a better person for having been your friend. I love you Kenny.__Your friend,__Adam Anderson

I fell blessed to have known Kenny and am sad at his passing. He always had a good word and a smile for everyone. He always asked about my girls, and I know Amanda enjoyed him immensely while working with him at the Moors. Kenny was everyone's buddy. My prayers and thoughts will be with his family.

I met Ken Durian through my son, Tyler, when he was at the Moors. With an infectious smile and sincere handshake, you just knew that this was a special person. His kindness was felt, I am sure, by many of us. It was a priviledge to know him. Tom Eddy

We simply called him DAD because he was like one to all of us. I feel like I know his kids yet I've never meant them. He always wanted to know how I was doing and how my family was doing. Quite possibly the nicest, most patient and outgoing person I've ever been associated with. He loved to play golf; he used to make me laugh when he would pull out "the trusty" Ping "wood" woods from the 80's. I had the pleasure of working with Kenny at The Moors for 15+ years. He used to give me a ride home from work before I could drive. Again, he usually offered before I could ask. We would always meet over at Bugs and Rosies for a Holiday gathering; he got the biggest kick out of the infamous, "Ten High song." My wife and I will miss him dearly and our thoughts and prayers will forever be with the Durian family.