White River Junction, Vermont- Gene W. Durkee, 71, died Friday, August 5, 2011 at the Brookside Nursing Home in White River Junction, VT.

Gene was born April 26, 1940 in Pompanoosuc, VT the son of Ralph H. and Beatrice (Goodrich) Durkee. He attended school in Union Village before going to work for a short time at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH and Leete Ware in East Thetford, VT. Gene found his calling in life when he went to work as a carpenter for GR Porter & Sons in Norwich, VT, retiring after forty seven years with the company as a master carpenter. Gene kept busy during his retirement doing odd jobs for Dales Mobile Homes in white River Juntion until just recently.

Gene enjoyed collecting Tonka Trucks, attending yard sales, keeping up with NASCAR, hunting, fishing and watching old western movies.

Gene is predeceased by a brother James Durkee; and two sisters, Doris Sullivan and Irene Stebbins.

Gene is Survived by his loving companion of thirty seven years Janice Lightcap; her children Douglas Flint, Daniel Flint both of East Bethel, VT, Sandra Farrington of Brookfield, VT ; six brothers, Heman Durkee of Thetford Center, VT, Leonard Durkee of Dorchester, NH, William Durkee of Bridgewater, VT, Roy Durkee of North Thetford, VT, Howard Durkee of East Thetford, and Kenneth Durkee of Post Mills, VT; a sister, Helen Hodgdon of Ascutney, VT, and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held Tuesday August 9, 2011 from 6-8PM at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction, VT. A graveside service will be held Wednesday at 2PM in the Hillside Cemetery in Thetford, VT.

Memorial contributions may be made to: VNA Hospice, 66 Benning St, West Lebanon, NH 03784