Robert Paul Durrie Jr.

It is with great sorrow - but also great appreciation and fondness - that the staff and Board of Directors (BOD) at Habitat for Humanity of Sauk-Columbia Area (HFHSCA) post this memorial tribute to Chip. Chip got involved with this local Habitat for Humanity affiliate when we built a duplex in Lodi. Early BOD members and Lodi residents Tim Escher and Jim Schmiedlin encouraged Chip to join the BOD of HFHSCA. Chip had what we call "a heart for Habitat" right from the beginning, diving in and working to find ways for our organization to raise the funds needed to build affordable housing for area residents. Chip served on the HFHSCA BOD for many years, with a much-appreciated willingness to tackle issues related to fund development. He was willing and able to navigate complicated grant applications, and to read long documents about "best practices" on fund raising. When the Fund Development sub-committee on which Chip served was to convene, meetings were often held at his home. Chip always offered delicious treats and bread to the other Committee members. At these meetings in Lodi, Chip's dog would sit in his lap and occasionally chime in with a yip as decisions were made. Later, when Chip's health made it more difficult for him to get to Baraboo for full BOD meetings, he would call into the meeting from his home. We knew Chip was on the line when we would hear his beloved canine sidekick yip in the background! Chip had a compassionate heart, a sharp mind, and a gentle soul. These characteristics explain his decision to support an organization like Habitat for Humanity of Sauk-Columbia Area. Despite physical issues that would have turned many people inward toward themselves, Chip looked outward toward the world - eager to find ways to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate by putting a roof over their heads. Habitat for Humanity has a saying: We build homes.... hope... and community. Chip Durrie did exactly that himself, and HFHSCA is much the stronger because of his support for our organization, and we are honored that he designated HFHSCA as recipient for memorials. Chip will live on in our hearts, and through the many families who benefitted from what he did through Habitat for Humanity. Thank you. Memorials should be sent to: Habitat for Humanity of Sauk-Columbia Area PO Box 38 Baraboo, WI 53913