Paul Robert Durrant's Obituary
Astrophysicist Carl Sagan said, “The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff.” Paul Robert Durrant returned to the stars when he passed away unexpectedly at the age of 38 on August 26, 2023 after a relaxing night at his home in American Fork, Utah.
Paul was born May 1, 1985. After trying for many years, and adopting his darling older brother, Paul was the first born blessing to R. Dean and Juleen (Messick) Durrant. He soon became a big brother and best friend to his 3 younger brothers.
Paul grew up in Orem, Utah and attended Sharon Elementary School, Canyon View Jr. High, and Orem High School. As a teenager, he loved skateboarding, music, the outdoors, and hijinks with his lifelong friends and brothers. He briefly attended UVSC, and loved studying politics and science. He delved into many different jobs and enjoyed his early twenties surrounded by his many friends and roommates.
In 2009, he started dating his future wife, Annie Lemings. They fell quickly and madly in love, and spent many years growing as a couple. They chose to dote on each other and their trio of dogs, and loved spending time with family, friends, camping, and relaxing at home. On June 20, 2015 the couple married in a small backyard ceremony at their home. They shared their love of music, movies, animals, and soaking in their hot tub. While they eventually grew apart as a couple, their friendship never faltered and he spent his last days living and laughing with her.
Paul’s greatest passion was his profession as an HVAC technician. He was employed at Black Mountain Electric and HVAC, and before that Budget Plumbing. He adored his bosses and coworkers and appreciated every day that he was able to work and help bring people comfort to their homes and businesses. He took classes to become certified, and spent all of his free money and time buying tools, studying the skills, and discussing the craft with anyone who would listen.
Paul leaves behind his love, partner, and friend Annie Lemings, his parents Dean and Juleen Durrant, brothers Bryan (Brandee), Matthew (Katie), Steven (Megan) and Jeffrey Durrant, as well as his nephews and nieces; Jonah, Skylar, Michael, Aiden, Ryder, Finn and Eva. He is preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Robert and Mary Durrant, and Ray and Diantha Messick.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be held Saturday, September 2nd at the Mount Timpanogos Park in Provo Canyon at 11 am. Light refreshments and memories will be shared. Please join our family to celebrate the life of our beloved son, brother, and friend.
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