Gerald Arlan Durrans

Our strong, beloved, charismatic father, sibling, and friend, Gerald Arlan (Jerry) Durrans, left this earth peacefully at the age of 88 in the breakfast hours of November 14, 2024, transitioning to his eternal life. We envision him being welcomed by his wife and sweetheart of 68 years and many other friends and family, with lots of food, including his favorite multiple helpings of mashed potatoes and gravy and maybe a round of golf or two. He missed Lanola terribly since her passing in March, and his wish to join her again was finally granted. 

Jerry was born on September 13, 1936, at Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Ross Inman Durrans and Lorene Crow Durrans. Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by two older siblings, Barbara and Richard. He was followed by three additional brothers, Raymond, Larry, and Lynn. Later in life, he discovered three additional older siblings from his father's first marriage with Cllea M. Reynolds Durrans, Bob, Zona, and Chuck, making him the sixth of nine children. He was raised in a lively and resourceful household. Times were often tough, and his parents were enduring the great depression, but Jerry's compassion and ingenuity shone even as a young boy. Once, he crossed the street to the Greystone mansion field and brought home a cow to provide milk for his family, easing his mother's worries. 

Jerry graduated from South High School. After graduating high school, he trained in Aberdeen, Maryland, with the National Guard for the summer of 1955. He met his future wife Lanola, from Olympus High School, on a blind date during their junior year in high school. They'd been dating for three years before graduation, and when Jerry returned in the fall, he and Lanola continued their courtship. They talked about getting married off and on, but she was surprised when Jerry proposed with a diamond ring. She immediately accepted his proposal, and they married on January 27, 1956, at her parent's home. On October 6, 1958, they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple with their only child at the time, Robert. Kathy was born that same year, followed by Scott two years later and Janine two years after that. 

Jerry's strong work ethic and resourcefulness defined his life. He began his career at Kennecott Copper, and after a chance meeting with a recruiter on a downtown sidewalk, he applied for a position with the Salt Lake City Police Department and started work, dedicating 30 years to public service. Jerry began as a patrol officer and then held many positions, including the K9 unit with his loyal dog Blitz, the motorcycle squad, undercover work assisting the DEA, and guarding dignitaries such as the Princess of Monaco. He was promoted to sergeant, became lieutenant, and eventually became a detective specializing in fraud and forgery cases. Despite his demanding career, Jerry held additional jobs, including with Western and Delta Airlines, which allowed him and Lanola to travel extensively to places like New Zealand, Tahiti, China, Hawaii, and the Caribbean and many family trips throughout the United States and Mexico. He was grateful to have been able to take his parents on their dream trip to Hawaii and many fishing trips with his dad, boys, and friends to Alaska. 

His family was always Jerry's priority. Though his work often kept him busy, he made time to create cherished memories. His children recall visiting him at job sites, riding along in his patrol car, and watching him rush to work, sometimes accidentally falling into the pool in his freshly pressed uniform. We often took turns joining him in a patrol car, zipping about neighborhoods in Salt Lake City, and beginning our inquisitive, adventurous journeys in the back alleys, hidden hideouts, and dark streets of Salt Lake City that we can thank Dad we still have to this day. 

Remarkedly, with his many jobs and responsibilities, later in his career at the police department, he attended Weber State University and achieved his degree in criminal psychology, aiding his transition into higher levels of detective assignments and work. His kindness and generosity extended beyond his family; one year, Jerry invited an informant from the police department to live with the family temporarily over Thanksgiving and Christmas, showing his compassionate nature. After our mom had baked bread all day, she came home to discover that Jerry had given away all the loaves of bread to friends and neighbors, leaving her to start the process all over again. If you ever wanted cookies, Mom would have them ready for Dad to give away to anyone who came to the door.

Jerry's zest for life was evident in his hobbies and passions. He loved bowling, hiking, boating, water skiing, and especially golf. A vintage car enthusiast, he took great pride in his Ford Model A. Jerry's sense of humor, generosity, and warmth brightened the lives of all who knew him. 

Jerry is survived by his children, Robert (Kristin), Kathy (Amanda), Scott (Tami), and Janine (Garry); his grandchildren, Austin, Mason, Melissa, Stephanie (Kevin), Darci (Bryce), Jessica, Brandon (Ayla); and his great-grandchildren, Kylee, Claire, Connor, Milo, Brooklyn, Marlie, Oliver, and Bella. He is also survived by his siblings Barbara, Robert (Ruth), and Raymond (Susanne).

“Nobody knows how to say goodbye It seems so easy 'til you try Then the moments passed you by Nobody knows how to say goodbye” 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice, and an act of kindness to someone you meet.