Durance Leonard Paul, age 67, of St. Ignace Michigan, passed away on January 18, 2025, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 18, 1957, in Traverse City, Michigan, to Bennett Marsten Paul and Marilyn D. Zerbe.
Durance grew up in Benzonia, Michigan, where he tested his limits and was a bit on the wild side by having fun riding dirt bikes, hunting, skiing and any fast-paced hobbies he could find. In high school he excelled in track and earned various medals. In 1975 he enlisted in the United States Army where he worked on tanks and jeeps and was stationed in Germany. After being honorably discharged he worked for the Benzonia Road Commission and then was hired by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians as a Conservation Officer and was quickly promoted to Chief Conservation Officer. In 1986, he was selected for the State of Michigan DNR Conservation Officer Academy and subsequently had a career in the Eastern Upper Peninsula working in both Chippewa and Mackinac Counties.
Durance enjoyed deer hunting and fly fishing with his son, grouse hunting with his bird dogs, snowmobiling, jeeping, Harley rides and catering to his children’s many sports and activities.
Durance is survived by his wife, Becky (Anderson) Paul; children, Danielle Blossom Paul, Page Lee Paul and Bennett Grant Paul; granddaughter, Gemma Sue Paul; and brother, Sylvester Paul.
Durance was preceded in death by his father, Bennett Marsten Paul.
Durance Paul lived a good life and will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He was taken too soon but his memory will live on through the lives he touched.
Per Durance’s wishes, no services are being held at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
