Memorable Manitobans: William George “Bill” Durston (1909-1985)

Community activist.

Born at Boissevain on 4 November 1909, son of Robert Thomas Durston (1883-1961) and Ellen Eliza Corey (1881-1968), he moved to Dauphin at a young age and was educated there. On 20 October 1937, he married Iva Fry (?-?) at Dauphin and they had a daughter. He was active in the community, as a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (Lodge No. 57), Dauphin Pioneer Association, Dauphin Curling Association, Dauphin Game and Fish Association, Dauphin Historical Society, and Manitoba Archaeological Society (Dauphin Chapter). In May 1973, he was appointed to investigate the feasibility of establishing a community museum. In February 1974, he became Building Chairman for the Fort Dauphin Museum that opened in 1975. He held the offices of Finance Chairman, First Vice-President, President (1979-1983), and Curator and Administrator (1984-1985) of the museum. He died at Riding Mountain National Park on 15 December 1985 and was buried in the Dauphin Community Cemetery.

See also:

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Fort Dauphin Museum (140 Jackson Street, Dauphin)

Sources:

Birth and marriage registrations, Manitoba Vital Statistics.

Obituary, Dauphin Herald, 24 December 1985, page 22.

Obituary, Heritage Spectrum, Volume 1, Number 2, 1986, page 12. [Manitoba Legislative Library]

Obituaries and burial transcriptions, Manitoba Genealogical Society.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 9 February 2023

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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