Dorchester, NH – Leonard Edward Durkee, 89, died Sunday June 2, 2019 at Genesis Eldercare Lebanon Center.

He was born April 5, 1930 in Norwich, VT a son of Ralph and Beatrice (Goodrich) Durkee.  Leonard grew up in Union Village and graduated from Thetford Academy.  He joined the US Army, serving in Germany during the Korean War.  After returning from his military service he was married to Joan Fields September 29, 1956 in Lyme, NH.  They made their home and raised their family in the area including Union Village, Thetford, Post Mills and for the past twenty years has lived in Dorchester, NH.  Leonard worked in construction for several area contractors including GR Porter, Alan Britton, Northwoods Excavating as well as Dartmouth College both on campus and the Skiway. He also spent many years at CW Gray Auctions, driving cattle truck and working the livestock auctions every Monday night.

Mr. Durkee enjoyed racing and worked as the flagman and Bear Ridge Speedway in Bradford for several years. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He also coached the Taste Spuds town league softball team for many years and was a member of the Thetford Volunteer Fire Department.  In recent years he has spent his free time puttering on various projects around the house including his garden.

He was predeceased by brothers, Jimmy, Heman and Gene Durkee; sisters, Dottie Sullivan, Irene Smith and Helen Hodgdon as well as a great grandson Brandon.

He leaves his children Gary Durkee and wife Becky of West Fairlee, VT, Terri Henry and husband Forrest of Norwich, VT, Greg Durkee and companion Tina of Dorchester, NH and Paul Durkee and wife Loralie of Grantham, NH; seven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren; brothers, Willie Durkee and wife Jackie of Bridgewater, VT, Howard Durkee and wife Donna of East Thetford, VT, Kenny Durkee and wife Diane of Post Mills, VT and Roy Durkee and wife Charlotte of North Thetford, VT as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., VT Sunday June 9 ^th from 5-7PM.  A graveside service will be held in the Hillside Cemetery on Academy Road in Union Village on Monday June 10 ^th at 11AM.

In lieu of flowers contributions in his memory may be made to the Upper Valley Humane Society, 300 Old Rte 10, Enfield, NH 03748.