David Kenneth Durham

The world lost David “Dave”/ “Pappy” Durham on January 4th. He passed away due to complications from the COVID 19 virus at the age of 70. He was a storyteller, some more creative than others, a showman and he loved to put on a costume and play.

David was born in Fresno on October 10th, 1952 and lived with his parents Robert and Kathleen and older brother Michael in Tranquility as a youngster. The family moved north to Gridley for a short time to pursue a work opportunity for Robert but ultimately, they settled in Kerman. Dave loved to share happy memories of his childhood, fondly recalling dressing up in homemade costumes, playing with the many kids in the neighborhood, playing sports, swimming at the community pool, making up games and finding new and creative ways to push limits and keep his parents and big brother on their toes. In high school Dave focused on athletics, journalism and student activities. In his yearbooks he’s addressed as a Neat Guy, the Cool Guy of Kerman and a Good Friend. After graduating Kerman High in 1971, he went on to Reedley Community College with big dreams of becoming a doctor. After a semester of pre-med he decided criminal justice was more his speed, telling his older brother Mike later in life who was a former Police Officer in Santa Barbara, that after a ride along with him, being a Police Officer didn’t look so bad! Dave went on to graduate from Reedley in 1973 then entered the Police Academy.

After dating for 3 years, Dave married Beverly (Radinoff) in 1974, regularly claiming he told his buddies in High School he was going to marry that girl when he first saw her. They moved to Dos Palos so that Dave could start his career as a Police Officer. Though he was so excited to serve and protect, he quickly learned the restrictions of small-town politics and he and Bev decided it was best to find a different career path. Dave went on to work for Bev’s parents on the family farm. Though he was family, his father-in-law Bill treated him like an employee, working him hard and testing his persistence. He and Bev managed to create a home and start a family during this time. They welcomed daughters Kimberlee in 1978 and Nicole in 1981. Dave loved being a dad. Until the very end he loved over-sharing with anyone who would listen about his 3 favorite girls/women. As a young family Dave enjoyed having two little live-in channel changers, drink retrievers and an adoring audience of his many shenanigans. In 1988 Dave and Bev entered into business with Bev’s brother and sister-in-law creating a successful and prosperous farming business.

In his 40’s Dave and Bev's hard work started to pay off, which allowed him once again to play. During this time they started to travel more, hang out with friends in the neighborhood, and Dave discovered motorcycles. He loved riding his Harleys, but even more than riding, he got to play dress up once again! He loved his over-the-top helmets and Harley gear. Dave’s eye was frequently drawn to shiny, new things and he liked to experiment with the latest and greatest things, some successful, others not as much. This period was also marked with service as Dave followed in the footsteps of both his father and older brother and was elected to the Kerman City Council. As the girls moved away for school Dave and Bev enjoyed the freedom of an empty nest, spending many evenings at the Limelite, then Moonlite with the Fresno group.

During all this fun, Dave’s body began to present challenges with a few medical issues exposing themselves. His kidneys started to fail and in 2015 Dave became part of an 18-person transplant chain that gave 9 people the opportunity to live. Bev and Dave were both part of this chain as Bev’s kidney donation went to another recipient and Dave received a kidney that gave him 7 more years of life. We are so appreciative to the donor of Dave’s kidney, and Dave was extremely grateful to Bev for her donation to allow them to be a part of the transplant chain.

Thank goodness for those past seven years. During that time Dave received his most treasured title, Pappy, when his grandson Quintin was born. Dave loved being a dad, but being Pappy was the greatest thrill of his life. As a grandpa, Dave got to play again with his best buddy. He loved teaching Quintin about music, sports, and relished the opportunity to have a little shadow whom he could be silly and playful with. Dave liked to think he was playing the role of the tough guy, but everyone that knew him could see he had a giant heart and loved deeply. His family near and far, along with the friends he made along the way meant everything to him. That love and connection will keep him in our hearts forever.

Donations in lieu of flowers please. If you would like to help David’s legacy continue please consider a donation in his name to CPMC Foundation Kidney Transplant Program. https://sutterhealth.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=508

“Don’t cry because it's over, be happy because it happened” -Dr Suess