Obituary: Michael R. “Mike” Durand

Michael R. “Mike” Durand, 67, of Coventry, passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, with loved ones by his side. He was born in Providence on April 1, 1955 to the late Normand P. and Lucille E. (Beauchaine) Durand. The beloved husband of Kimberly Jo Poland, Mike was known for his infectious laugh, great big heart and as a consummate gentleman. He was always positive and upbeat. Anyone who knew him was better for it. As a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, an astute businessman and developer, and a generous philanthropist, Mike left a truly amazing footprint on this world.

Growing up on Doolittle Street in Coventry, Mike came from humble beginnings. A hard worker from a very young age, he was just 8 years old when he began working in his uncle and grandfather’s shop B & B Cabinet. While a student studying carpentry at Coventry High School’s Vocational School, Mike also worked framing homes until graduating in 1974. He then went on to work for his late uncle Lionel Beauchaine at Coventry Millwork, where he became the catalyst and co-founder in establishing Coventry Lumber in 1978. Eventually buying both businesses from his uncle in 1985, Mike grew Coventry Lumber, overseeing its expansion including the construction of its Nooseneck Hill Road location. Mike also owned the Eagle Lumber Company in Warwick.

Devoted to helping others, Mike was a very kind and generous man who was always giving back to the community. More than 15 years ago, he initiated the Coventry Lumber Annual Golf Tournament to raise funds for the Coventry Community Food Bank, for those in need. Every year, the tournament continues to raise funds to help support many local charities. Mike was a member and a past president (1994/1995) of the RILBMDA and in 1995, he was honored as RI Lumber Person of the Year. He

Was a member of the RI Builders Association and the RI Chapter of the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association.

Mike was extremely social and active. He enjoyed real estate, collecting classic cars, downhill skiing – especially at Mt. Ascutney in Vermont, and boating and water skiing on Johnson’s Pond. Even in retirement, he continued to enjoy developing real estate and flipping properties. He belonged to the Johnson’s Pond Civic Association. Mike was a longtime member of the Potowomut Golf Club and then the Quidnessett Country Club, as an avid golfer.

In addition to his loving wife Kimberly, Michael is survived by his two daughters – Michelle Renaud, her husband Kevin of Londonderry, NH, and Amie Smith, her husband Peter (Captain USAF) of Williamsburg, VA – and his granddaughter, Siena Renaud. Mike was the brother of Linda Durand, Thomas Durand, and Annette Patton and her husband Rick. Mike was the son-in-law of Kenneth and Sandra Poland, and brother-in-law of Shane and Veronica Poland. He is also survived by many extended family members including nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as a huge circle of incredible friends.

His funeral will be Friday, March 3, 2023, at 8:45 am from the Iannotti Funeral Home at Maple Root, 2000 Nooseneck Hill Rd. (Rte.3) Coventry. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. in St. Vincent de Paul Church, Coventry. Burial will be private. Visiting hours are Thursday, March 2, 2023, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Michael R. Durand can be made to the Coventry Lumber Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3), at 6 Jefferson Drive, Coventry, RI 02816. All donations made will be given in Mike’s memory to the numerous charities he supported through the years.

Source: The Providence Journal