Paul N. Duran, Sr.

Family Tribute

Paul Duran Sr., of Sand Lake, passed away peacefully at the age of 78 on the morning of February 17th, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife Sandra Kay, their loyal dog Keno, daughter Andrea (Matthew) Mayes, son Paul Jr. (Mindy) and their 8 grandchildren: Kayley Maria, Matthew, Trey, Ella, Colin , Abigail, Carter and Madison. Paul is the youngest of four children born to Nicasio and Mary Duran. He is survived by his older brother Peter (Erika), and preceded in death by sister Josephine (Robert) and Brother Nicholas Sr.(Peggy).

Paul was a devout catholic who prided himself in his faith. As a young boy he attended school at Holy Redeemer. But his most beloved church was the Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit where many of the Duran family gathered for celebrations. Ave Maria was his favorite song as it was of his matriarchal mother Mary. In his last few years he watched mass at home and continued his faithfulness to Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul Duran was the patriarch of his family, to his extended nieces, nephews, and even to his Ecolab family. Before beginning his career and family, Paul dedicated his service to our country. He served in The United States Army Special Forces colloquially known as the “Green Berets”. He dutifully followed in the footsteps of his two brothers and seven uncles who all served during war time. Paul worked at Ecolab for over 35 years, starting his career carrying a tool bag and then as a salesman. His work ethic lead him to becoming AVP of the Detroit Area where he earned several awards and the love and respect of the many men and women he worked with. He always took care of “his team”, as he referred to them. This position was the highlight of his career. He was a firm but kind leader. He rewarded hard work with recognition and his family and work Christmas parties were among his favorite for him and Sandy to host. They gave generously of themselves to everyone.

Paul was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Paul served as captain for the 50/50. And he and Sandy, along with their friends and family, went on almost every bus trip and event they hosted. Going to Las Vegas with his sister and brothers was among his favorite in these early years. And in later years he purchased a retirement condo to enjoy with his wife and dog. It was a warm getaway where Sandy could play cards and he could take his dog Keno to the beautiful parks to walk and play.

Paul bowled with his brothers and brother-in-laws at Fort Park in Lincoln Park for many years. His brother Nick was the team ringer. Whenever the team was behind, his brother Nick would step in to assure their team a win. He loved his brother’s and brother-in-laws dearly and referred to them as his best friends. Paul was as loyal as they come and never turned anyone away when they needed something, big or small.

Paul was a planner and a list maker. His most cherished events were hosting the boys in Las Vegas for the Super Bowl, the annual family reunion of Spanish night at the cottage on Blue Lake and the annual Labor Day golf outing. He would plan the details to a tee and made sure everyone pitched in to get everything on his lists accomplished. These events were the pinnacle moments of every year and everyone in the family would look forward to the celebrations. He always said “work hard, play hard”, and he did!

His children remember him fondly for the early years of going to the K of C Christmas extravaganzas, snowmobiling, boating on Lincoln Lake, playing board games, the nightly family dinners, and church on Sundays at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. He continued family traditions with his grandchildren. Papa enjoyed taking his grandchildren to McDonald’s for morning pancake breakfasts and he always bought them the latest and greatest water toys for tubing and skiing behind his boat at the lake. As long as the sun was shining and the chores were done, papa would cheerfully take them all boating and loop them around the lake joyfully for hours. He graciously extended this invitation to any other children at the lake and was simply called Uncle Paul to all who knew him around Blue Lake.

Paul was dedicated to his wife Sandra and they were married for 57 years. Their commitment to each other and their strong family values serve as an example to their children and grandchildren. Their love has instilled a strong example of faith and commitment to be cherished forever.

Summer days at the cottage will forever bring back memories of love, Paul and Sandy holding hands with Keno by their side, Paul walking the property taking care of the flowers and preparing for company, Paul’s laughter and joy driving everyone around on the boat, Paul’s country music playing from the barn, playing poker in the basement with Paul at the head of the table, late night talks with Paul by the fire, and Paul’s last martini before bed. These memories will forever be in our hearts and will always bring comfort and blessings to all that loved him.