William "Mike" Michael Durham

William Michael “Mike” Durham, age 63, of Blue Grass, passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at Virginia Commonwealth University Hospital in Richmond.

Mike was born in Pontiac, Illinois on July 1, 1961, a son of the late William Dale and Ruby “Peg” Irene (Cole) Durham. He graduated from Pontiac High School and subsequently pursued his passion for art by obtaining his art degree at Columbia College of Missouri.

Mike initially set out to pursue his passion of art further following his undergraduate education and accepted a position with a life insurance company that anticipated having a vacancy for the position of art director. The position did not become available as quickly as expected and Mike was offered an opportunity to become an underwriter which gave birth to his primary career path. Mike was an esteemed life insurance underwriter and dedicated greater than forty years to his career. He was currently employed with Fidelity Investments which was a position that he not only excelled in but truly loved. He developed a strong bond with his colleagues and often expressed how much he looked forward to seeing them on their daily “Zoom” calls. He was always happy to share his wealth of knowledge with those who were interested.

Mike was an active member of the Blue Grass Ruritan Club and enjoyed the camaraderie with the community that the membership provided. Mike was also an ordained Apostolic minister.

Amongst his many appreciations in life, Mike was an enthusiast for “all things Disney.” Mike loved Disney oriented travel to include Disney theme parks and as of October 2024, a Disney Cruise with his family which brought the biggest smile to his face. The names of Mike’s canine companions were inspired by Disney Characters to include the late Abu and Meeko, and his most recent canine companion, Stitch. In December every year, Mike’s family household became a Disney winter wonderland with themed decorations. Mike had aspired early in life to become an artist for Disney. Although that dream never came to fruition, he did secure a patent for his own personally designed Disney character “Chuck.”

Mike was very dedicated to his family and showed his love and support in countless ways. Mike dedicated countless hours to the family’s maple syrup production and baking goods for the local markets and festivals. When the work was finished for the day, you could find Mike enjoying his night-time martini.

He was very genuine and was kind to everyone with whom he crossed paths. He will be remembered for his wit and sarcasm and all of the smiles that were elicited as a result. Mike had a huge heart and impacted everyone he met. He will be greatly missed by his community, fellow market vendors, many friends, his family, and all of those who love him.

Mike is survived by his partner in life, Bruce Folks of Blue Grass; daughters, Janna and Bryanna Folks; sisters, Teresa Koehler and husband, Ron, and Debra Durham; brother, Rodney Durham and wife, Ingrid; his nieces, Abby Koehler, Erin Koehler Smith, Brynne Street, Erika Rubo and Gracie Durham; great-niece and nephews, Olimpia Koehler Cox, Augustus Koehler Cox, William Walker Smith, Graham Smith, and Oliver Rubo; as well as his beloved canine companion, Stitch.

In addition to his parents, William and Ruby “Peg”, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Eris Vest Durham; brother, Randy Durham; and nephews, Kyle and Zachary Durham.

The family will commemorate his life privately following his cremation in accordance with Mike’s wishes. Mike wished to have his cremains scattered in a place most dear to him. His ashes will be scattered “up on the hill” (family sugar camp) overlooking the Blue Grass valley when the lilies and butterfly bushes are in full bloom. His beloved Stitch will be running around keeping a watchful eye on his mountain and the hummingbirds and butterflies will be circling the blooming flowers.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Highland County Humane Society, PO Box 458, Monterey, Va. 24465 in remembrance of his love and passion for his Schnauzers and other animals alike.