Warren Harry Durling

Warren Harry Durling 97, of Bonita Springs, FL On June 30th 2021, Jesus said to Harry, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’ ~ Matthew 25:23 Harry was at home with family by his side and in Leslie’s arms as he drew his last breath, we all thank you Jesus for your mercy and grace! Harry was born on January 3, 1924 in Brooklyn, NY a son of the late Walter H. and Viola (Brown) Durling. Harry has been a resident of Bonita Springs for the past 32 years. Harry grew up in Kingston, NY and after graduating high school in 1942, Harry along with 3 fellow classmates enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. Harry served for 3 ½ years stationed at Watton Airbase, England as part of the 3D Strategic Air Depot; 31st Headquarters Squadron and the 89th Depot Repair Squadron of the 8th Air Force as a B-24 radio operator. Harry spent more than 40 years in the Glens Falls region raising his family and enjoying the Adirondacks especially Lake George which he shared with friends and family each year. Camping on the islands and sunset cruises were especially memorable. His love for family endured following his move to Florida spending summers at the lake and sharing his gifts with those close to him. In 1956, Harry joined J. E. Sawyer & Company in Glens Falls, NY. He would eventually become the Executive Vice President/General Manager and retire from that position in 1989 after 33 years of service. The Sawyer Company was founded in 1883 and remained under local ownership for the next 130 years. Harry was blessed by so many of the Sawyers group, he loved and cherished the friendships that continue to this day. As an active community member, Harry was involved and sat on the board of many charities and banks. He was a Paul Harris Fellow and a member of the Tocqueville Society. Harry was a long-term member of First Presbyterian Church of Glens Falls, NY where he served as Trustee and then a 25-year member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, FL. Throughout his life, Harry’s top priority was his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This love was exemplified and instilled in him by his loving mother during his youth and reignited in 2012 when he was blessed to attend the Great Banquet of SWFL. Jesus continued to direct all his steps and Harry’s sole purpose and drive became one of introducing others to Jesus. Harry’s genuine kindness and warmth would envelope all whom he encountered, and you could sense his inner joy, peace, and love for Jesus. Please know that when you met Harry, you met Jesus! Harry was a fun-loving, compassionate, caring, Christian man, a true gentleman and friend who loved to laugh and smile and always had a positive attitude throughout all circumstances. Harry gave of himself to all he encountered, continually encouraging others through his tender words and actions. Harry touched everyone’s heart and will be loved and remembered as a beautiful enduring gift from God, a blessing given to all who knew him. Harry was a devoted loving husband, best friend and soulmate to his forever and cherished wife, Leslie A. Durling of Bonita Springs, FL.; a dedicated and loving friend to his brothers-in-law, Charles and Scott Callan of Massachusetts; a caring father to his children; Robert Durling and his wife, Judith of South Glens Falls, NY; Mark Durling and his wife, Karen of Hamilton, MT; and Denise (Durling) Colwell and her husband, John of San Geronimo, CA.; a loving PopPop and PaPa to 11 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren; an amazing uncle to several nieces and nephews and their families; as well as a special friend to many. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife of 60 years, Dorothy D. Durling; his brother, Douglas and his two sisters, Beatrice and Thelma. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Cafe of Life, Inc., PO Box 367794, Bonita Springs, FL 34136 https://www.cafeoflife.org/donation/ First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs – Great Banquet 9751 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs, FL 34135 https://fpcbonita.org/give/ Memorial Announcement: There will be a tribute for my cherished husband Harry and his walk with Jesus, on Friday, October 22nd at 3:00 pm in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs 9751 Bonita Beach Rd. There will be pages of precious memories on display and for all to sign so please come with a thought or two to share. Bless you & thank you for your prayers, support & love, Leslie Durling & Family To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home and Crematory Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Warren Harry Durling

January 3, 1924 - June 30, 2021