William Durgin

Durgin's Ice Cream will never be the same. William "Bill" H. Durgin, owner/operator of Durgin's Place, Inc. also known throughout the community and Central Ohio as "Durgin's Ice Cream" in Tarlton, OH, passed away peacefully in his home in Williamsport, OH on September 4, 2007 at 6:10 p.m. He is survived by his wife, DeMaris Ann (Miller) Durgin of Williamsport; daughters, Barbara Anne Rogers of CA and Mary Elizabeth Hunnewell of Tarpon Springs, FL; stepdaughters, Jodie A. Clemons (Shawn) Moffett of Columbus, Amy L. Clemons (Scott) Rouse and Dawn J. (Clemons) Cline all of Circleville; grandchildren, Nikkita "KT" Cline, Stephen William Phalen, Rachel Christine Rogers, Richard William Hunnewell, Jr. and Logan Deena Hunnewell; great grandchild, Alexis Lynn Ferring and stepson from a previous marriage, Scott Ports of Royal Palm Beach, FL. William Henry Durgin was born on May 18, 1945 in Newport, Rhode Island. Who would have thought that this 4 pound 6.5 ounce baby boy would grow to be the owner of one of Central Ohio's finest hand dipped ice cream establishments, Durgin's Place? Growing up, "Bill" was exposed to the restaurant business. The Durgin family owned and operated "Durgin's Park", which has been in business for over 200 years in Boston, MA. Growing up on the east coast, Bill "aimed high" at everything he did. He was a real "go-getter". In 1960, at the age of fifteen, he earned his Eagle Scout award. In 1962 he participated in the Order of Demolay. He worked for Brunswick as a Pinsetter and Master Mechanic on equipment for Sherman and AMF Bowling Companies while he was a high school student. When he graduated from Middletown High School in Rhode Island in 1964, he would continue fixing things. Bill created his own home improvement and remodeling business as a licensed contractor. Bill continued his construction influence over the next eleven years and became a member of the US Steel Corporation and American Bridge Company. He worked as a structural iron worker and built many bridges, sky scrapers, sports arenas and airports that many of us consider stateside landmarks (New Orleans Super Dome). A life threatening work injury broke his back and by a miracle, he recovered to walk again, which brought him back into the kitchen. Bill has always had a passion for cooking. His quest to learn the different cuisines encouraged him to travel all over the United States, but he found himself cooking six months in New Orleans, LA., five years in South Charleston, W.V. and four years in Middletown, R.I. In 1980, "Durgin's Place" was born from a small run down soft serve ice cream parlor. Bill added a small restaurant to the existing business and turned the revenues from time of purchase (under $20,000/yr) to over $84,000 annually after two years of being in business. In 1982, Bill converted the soft serve machines into a forty-nine flavor hand dip ice cream shop and restaurant, serving pizza, subs/sandwiches, and carry out meals. Durgin's Place put the "Village" of Tarlton, on the map. The once little town, now catered to people from all over Central Ohio wanting to see what all the excitement was about. Bill's slogan was very catchy and drew crowds from all over Central Ohio. He would say, "You've had the rest…now lick the biggest and very best" and show you his famous 32 ounce "small" sundae at an unbeatable price. Bill would host car shows, motorcycle rides, youth ball teams and the entire community. He loved what he did because it made people happy and he could share his given talent. While operating Durgin's Place, in 1982, not leaving his construction experiences behind, he opened "Durgin's Construction & Industrial Catering" in Tarlton, and serviced over 300 accounts in three counties. Traveling to construction and industrial sites, providing catered and quality meals for the workers. He would later close this to refocus on the increasing success of Durgin's Place. Bill also attended Hocking Technical College in Nelsonville, Ohio to study Culinary Arts in the early 90's to see if he could expand his knowledge base. In 1989, Bill was elected to a four year term on the Tarlton Board of Public Affairs. During this time, he became a Free Mason in 1990. He was elected for a three year term in 1992 as the Mayor to the Village of Tarlton. He was a mover and a shaker during his time and a well respected man. He continued to own and operate Durgin's Place during his terms and also earned his Master Mason Status in 2003. As his health started to fail him, he never gave up on his hopes and dreams. Bill went to work and created his own blueprints for the "ultimate truck stop". He wanted to design and operate the largest full service truck stop in the state of Ohio. He wanted to rebuild Durgin's Place to expand the restaurant and the service window in the ice cream parlor. A common thread throughout Bill's life was service, community and sharing. He always aligned himself to help, provide and serve in whatever environment he was in. Bill served meals at the local area church and soup kitchens during the holidays. Often times, he donated his time, his catering business and culinary experience to ensure homeless and those challenged during the holidays had a hot meal or something to look forward too. He always enjoyed the fellowship of his church and his faith. He believed in family, being a faithful and loving husband, a father and grandparent. His 60 flavors highlighted at Durgin's Place, they were probably selected as a representation of his closest family and friends. All hand dipped with love, each flavor honoring and reminding him of his friends and family. Durgin's Place is now boarded up, looking for a new owner. Someone who will take over the business with the same enthusiasm and eagerness to make it something great again. Durgin's Place may have served it's last scoop, but the memories and the man behind the counter with the Rhode Island accent will live on in our hearts forever as a son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He will be missed but never forgotten. Funeral service will be held 11:30 a.m. Monday September 10, 2007 at the Wellman Funeral Home, Circleville, with Pastor Karen Kepner. Burial will be in Springlawn Cemetery. Friends may call from 2-6 p.m. Sunday and 10-11:30 a.m. Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to Berger Hospice or Soup Kitchen.

Sunday September 9, 2007 , 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Wellman Funeral Home-Circleville

Monday September 10, 2007 , 11:30 a.m. at Wellman Funeral Home-Circleville