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Candace Durran passed away peacefully in Spokane, Washington on July 21, 2021 at the age of 72, although none of her medical providers would believe she was that age due to her spunky nature and beautiful skin (commented on by literally everyone). In her last months Candace surprised everyone in Spokane with her grit, perseverance, and unflagging humor in the face of many complications due to brain surgery. Her Montana friends would tell you that’s just who she was. She was determined to return home to the city she loved so much, Helena, Montana, but after a long, courageous, and determined fight, she danced through the veil to embark on a new adventure.
Candace grew up in San Francisco in the shadow of Stanford University, playing tennis there with her father (Mike Durran) and her sisters, and ultimately attended cross-town rival UC Berkeley where she majored in environmental studies. After college she was drawn to Montana, and never left. She was a true Montanan at heart, devoting herself to its pioneering ways and spirit. She married and raised her two daughters there, and developed many strong and enduring friendships in the Helena community. Her friends would tell you she was enthusiastic, energetic, generous, intelligent, organized, and loyal, with a great (and often irreverent) sense of humor. Her daughters would tell you she was all of those things and also a pain to go to the grocery store with, because she knew everyone and had to chat with each person before leaving. She built a community around her wherever she went.
She was very involved in the larger Helena community over the years as well. Taking after her father Candace was a talented and enthusiastic athlete and she played in local soccer and tennis leagues, and enjoyed golfing, hiking, camping, and cross-country skiing. She helped pass on her love for these activities to her daughters, who enjoyed many summers of tennis lessons and were always amazed by the number of plants she could name on hikes (that ability still seems like a superpower). She also loved ushering for theatre productions, attending farmer’s markets, concerts, and fine arts events, and being involved in state politics and environmental causes.
Candace’s studies at UC Berkeley were the start of a long career in land management which culminated at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (where she worked full time up to the age of 71!). She combined her friendly and social nature with a dedication to protecting Montana’s lands and waters in her career, and she was recognized by her colleagues for her hard work, passion, and commitment to the conservation of Montana’s natural resources. Her work at FWP left a lasting legacy that will be enjoyed by generations to come.
Like her family and friends Candace loved the outdoors, especially the high country. She relished being in special places like Yosemite, the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Glacier Park, and the Canadian Rockies. The California coast and Pacific Ocean also held a special place in her heart. We hope as you journey far and wide you carry a piece of her with you in your heart, and are able to feel the boundless joy she felt being in those wild places.
One of Candace’s greatest joys were her grandchildren. She was a devoted and loving grandmother, and was always ready to run, play, and be silly on a moment’s notice. We are left with many silly headbands, feather boas, disguise glasses, and nose flutes for the grandchildren (and us!) to enjoy. Her zest for life will always be with us.
Her daughters, Katie Larimer (Hall) and Whitney Graber (Hall), had the privilege of being present when Candace left us for her next adventure. She left us, as always, changed for the better, and certain of her love for us, her family, her friends, and her community. Candace is survived by her two children: Katie (Dan) and their 3 children, Ethan, Quinn, and Felix; and Whitney (Jarrett), and their 3 boys Carston, Kaiden and Ryker. She is also survived by her sisters Carol, Michele (Dan), and April (Mark), her wingman Gordie Rognrud, and the many incredible friends who made her life so rich.
If you would like to share a picture or memory of mom please visit her memorial page here.
https://www.forevermissed.com/candacedurran/about...
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Joe "Noble" Eisenlauer
In the days when students were seated alphabetically, Duran and Eisenlauer always found themselves seated next to one another or behind one another. I had many classes with Candace. She rarely had a frown on her face. If I told a joke I knew I could get a laugh out of her. I never heard her gossip or say a bad word about anyone. She was well-liked by all of her friends, including me. My high school years were some of the best in my life. Having had Candace as a friend is one reason I relish those years.
ps. After writing the above I looked again at the group photo from our last class reunion. As those of you who attended may recall we all lined up randomly. Guess who ended up standing in front of me...Candace!
Michael Christine
I'll miss you, Candice...friends since the 2nd grade at Ohlones, or maybe 1st. Was great to have seen you at th reunion. Mike
Peter (Pichai) Tangprasertchai
In fond memory of playing many rounds of tennis with you, a competitor, determination, and yet kind hearted. Rest In Peace with open sky and fresh clean air.
Judith Wipff (Dougherty)
i will always remember your beautiful smile and what a truly nice person your were. Judy
Karen Shambaugh (Rink)
When I think of Candy, I remember that she was always happy, courageous, smart, determined, a good tennis player. What a great example for us. I*m glad she had a wonderful family who appreciated her many talents.