Michael Durglo Sr.
courtesy photo
Michael Durglo Sr.
ST. IGNATIUS — On Sept. 12, 2015, Michael Louis Durglo Sr. began his journey back to the loving arms of his wife Barb and those family members that have passed before him. He was a proud member of the Confederated Salish, Pend d’Oreille and Kootenai Tribes.
Mike, also known as “Pa,” “Xepe,” or “Louie” to his family and friends, was born Sept. 9, 1935, to Conrad and Adele Chalwain Durgeloh “Across the River” on the family ranch northwest of Dixon. Mike’s family later moved to the Mollman and Eagle Pass areas where he spent countless hours in the mountains with his brothers and local families.
Mike was educated in Ronan Schools and was proud of his orange and black. So much so that he teased his children and grand children anytime they competed against the Chiefs or any other team in orange and black. Underneath, Mike was a proud supporter of his family and all of their athletic and academic successes. Before completion of high school, Mike felt it was his patriotic duty to enlist in the United States Marine Corp. Shortly after enlistmen; Mike was called into active duty during the Korean campaign. He was later honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant. He continued this service to Tribe, State and Country as a proud member of the Mission Valley Honor Guard and American Legion Post 106 … semper fi.
Shortly after discharge, Mike met and married Lillian Alexie. Of this union, daughter Mary was born. His granddaughter Brea Franco, of Spokane, remained close to her grandfather throughout his life.
In 1959, Mike met and married Barbara J. Courville. The two made their first home in the Mollman Pass area and later moved near Mike’s parents on Eagle Pass Trail. Barb and Mike moved to St. Ignatius to raise their six children.
As a dedicated and tireless employee, Mike put in many years of service for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Ronan as a skilled surveyor. Upon his retirement from the Bureau, Mike went to work for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes working closely with the Salish–Pend Oreille Culture Committee while completing work to preserve the Salish culture and tradition. At the time of his most recent setback, Mike was still working 10-hour days for the Cultural Preservation Department. He cherished his time working in preservation and the dear friends that he made through his work.
Mike’s children Mike Jr. (Terri), Joe (Alana), Jim (Angie), Donna, Dan (Natasha), and Caroline survive him. His many grandchildren great- grandchildren, a great great-grandchild, cherished nieces, nephews and a large extended family also survive him.
Mike’s wife Barbara; his parents Conrad and Adele; his daughters Mary McCoy and Linda Christine; his grandson Kyle Joseph Trahan; and his brothers William “Bill” and Francis Durgeloh precede him in death.
Services for Mike have taken place.Condolences may be sent to the family at: thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com. Arrangements are under the direction of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
