Obituaries

Leroy W. Durrant

April 15, 1944 - January 09, 2023

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Obituary For Leroy W. Durrant

WAUNAKEE, WI – Leroy W. Durrant, 78, passed away on the night of January 9th, 2023, at UW Hospital with his beloved wife and eldest daughter by his side.

Born on April 15, 1944 in Ginger Hall, Bath, St. Thomas in Jamaica, he was the son of the late Arthur Durrant and the late Terry Ross.

Leroy attended St. Mary’s College, then went on to graduate from the College of Art Science and Technology (CAST) in Kingston, Jamaica and began a career in Architecture and Building Management. After graduation, he worked for the Social Development Commission (SDC) in Kingston, Jamaica. He was very passionate about his work as a Quantity Surveyor where he spent decades working on large scale buildings for the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), the Jamaican government as well as smaller projects for Berkeley & Spence, in Kingston, Jamaica.

Leroy and his wife Winnifred were blessed to have nearly 50 years together and he led his life as a loving and devoted family man to his 4 children and 6 grandchildren. He had a zest for life and took joy in even the simple things, making him a role model for many of his extended family and friends.

In the summer of 2005, Leroy migrated to the United States where he worked for Oscar Mayer until he retired in 2016. He loved to travel to new places, take enrichment classes at the local community college, recite poems, and engage in lively political debates. As many of his close friends and family can attest, Leroy was not one to back down from a debate no matter how controversial his opinion. Leroy was an encyclopedia of random facts and would often be seen cutting out articles from the newspaper for future reference. He seemed to know the Latin root of every word and enjoyed giving mini history lessons whenever he could. Always a night owl, Leroy would stay up late watching the History channel and national geographic programs. He was also known for his trips to Aldi's grocery store to stock up on fruits for his famous fruit smoothies and was happiest doing small projects around the house. Known by many titles - Daddy, Grandad, Pops, Mr. D, etc. - Leroy cared deeply for his family and friends and had a calm, welcoming demeanor about him that made him truly respected and loved by all.

Leroy is survived by his wife, Winnifred, their 3 daughters: Melissa(Sei) Kidau, Kimily (Sean), and Emily(Alexander), 6 grandchildren: Seiwessley, Khaleilei, Ross, Elizabeth, Kingston, and Malaika, as well as brothers (Franklyn and Hylton), sisters(Joan, Doreen, Precious, Daphne, Hazel, Pamela, Paulette, Angela) many grandnieces, grandnephews, numerous cousins (Linval, Paul, Norman, Trevor, Shirlette, Violet, Derrick, Lorris, Telma), and numerous friends.

Leroy was preceded in death by his son, Ryan in 2014. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 20, 2023 at 1pm at Sherman Avenue United Methodist Church, 3705 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison. A funeral service will be held following the visitation at 2pm on January 20, 2023.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Avenue 608-249-8257

Services

20 Jan

Visitation

01:00 PM - 02:00 PM

Sherman Avenue United Methodist Church 3705 N Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 Get Directions »
20 Jan

Funeral Service

02:00 PM - 03:00 PM

Sherman Avenue United Methodist Church 3705 N Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • January 31, 2023

    Rest In Peace Uncle Leroy...Tamra,Eggy daughter

  • January 21, 2023

    I remember as a young child waking up one morning to some sort of commotion outside on the veranda. I got out of bed to see what was going on. To my surprise Cousin Leroy had purchased and drove home his new orange colored Volks Wagon buggy. His sisters Doreen and Daphne had no idea he had save for this car. All I remember everyone was excited and happy for him. Cousin Leroy was very happy and proud of this accomplishment however he remained humble. Cousin Leroy aka Uncle Leroy , my Godfather thank you for all you have done and the words of wisdom you have spoken to me. I love you and will miss you.

  • January 20, 2023

    Rest in peace Leroy

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James S. | July 2020

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Lynda R. | July 2020

Services provided for both parents were perfect, on time, and no issues. Brenda is awesome and strong!

Michael M. | July 2020

Skyler was absolutely amazing. She was so caring and helpful through this whole process. She even went above and beyond to meet with us in DeForest and even to make a stop at our home to drop off or pick up anything needed. While it was a small gesture, it was so helpful and greatly appreciated.

Brooke S. | Dec. 2020

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