Bangor, Maine - Maj. Gen. Nelson Eckley Durgin, 83, died at his home on September 11, 2020, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born June 23, 1937 in Oxford, the son of the late Truman and Marjorie (Twitchell) Durgin.

Nelson graduated from Norway High School where he was class president and business manager for the year book. He would later go on to graduate from Portland University with a degree in business administration before enlisting in the Air National Guard on December 5, 1960.

Nelson served in the ANG of Maine for the next 35 years where he obtained the distinguished rank of Major General. In 1991 he was appointed to be Maine's Adjutant General and Commissioner for Defense, Veterans, and Emergency Management until retiring in 1995.

He begin a second career as the Executive Director and Administrator of the Phillips Strickland House assisted living facility which he held for 15 years.

Nelson was leader in many civic organizations, and was proud to have served his community on the Bangor City Council from 2010 to 2017, having been Chair from 2012-2013 and 2014-2015. He also served on the Board of Directors at St. Joseph Hospital for 23 years.

Nelson was a member of Hammond Street Congregational Church in Bangor for 51 years, serving as Moderator, Trustee, and Deacon.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Carla (Grover) Durgin; son, Michael Durgin and his wife, Karen; daughter, Marjorie Karst and her husband Kerry; granddaughter, Katherine Verville and her husband, Paul; grandsons, Nelson and Mason King; great grandson, Gwilym Eckley Verville.

In consideration of flowers, please make a memorial donation in his memory to the Hammond Street Congregational Church, 28 High St, Bangor, ME 04401, MAINEiacs Charities Inc., 103 Marran Street Suite 518, Bangor, Maine 04401, or St. Joseph Homecare and Hospice, P.O. Box 934, Bangor, Maine 04402-0934.

Immediate services will be private. A public celebration of Nelson's life will be held at a later date once the COVID - 19 restrictions have been eased.

To read a full tribute on Nelson's life or to leave condolences to the family, please visit

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