[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 106 (Tuesday, June 25, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E662-E663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE LIFE OF DOUG DURHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 25, 2024

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Doug Durham who 
passed away at the age of 94 on April 11, 2024. Doug served honorably 
in the United States Navy during the Korean War and continued his 
dedication to serving our country after leaving the service.
  Born in Reed City, Michigan on July 7, 1929, Doug served on the first 
ship to leave the United States for Korea, the USS Endicott DMS 25. On 
the Endicott, Doug took part in the mission to sweep mines in Hungnam 
Harbor and assist in the Christmas Miracle evacuation of 105,000 
servicemembers from the Chosin reservoir. He was honored as a Humboldt 
Hero and was selected to participate in an Honor Flight to Washington, 
D.C. to see the memorials built to honor him and others that served.
  Doug continued to serve his country in the private sector after 
leaving the Navy. He was instrumental in the development of a 
groundbreaking missile detection system during his 30-year career at 
Lockheed. His contributions to this field were invaluable. He was a 
committed patriot, but his service to this country was not purely 
through national defense.
  Doug had a passion for volunteering. He devoted much of his time to 
the Humboldt Senior Resource Center, Area 1 Agency on Aging, the 
Ingomar Club Board, and the Historical Committee. When Alzheimer's 
claimed the life of Doug's spouse, Virginia, he established a caregiver 
support group to make sure that others had the help and training they 
needed to care for family members stricken by the disease.
  Doug was captivated by the beauty of our natural world and found 
solace in nature. He

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was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a strong advocate for the 
protection of salmonids and worked tirelessly with CalTrout to push for 
the enactment of policies protecting these fish and their habitat. He 
was a master rosarian and taught classes on the cultivation of roses. 
He loved spending time with his many friends. His wit, humor, and 
kindness left an indelible mark on all he met.
  Doug is survived by his sister, Judy, and preceded in death by 
Virginia, his wife of 50 years, as well as his father, Jules, mother 
Harriette, stepmother Eleanor, and sister Georgia. He is remembered as 
a loving husband and brother, a community leader, a patriot, and a dear 
friend to all who knew him.
  Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that Doug Durham was a dedicated 
public servant who will be missed and whose many contributions to 
Humboldt County and the nation are worthy of commendation. Therefore, 
it is fitting and proper that we honor his many contributions and 
express our deep condolences to his family and friends.

                          ____________________