Dave Durfee Memorial

Dave Durfee was a cornerstone of the Boise Chordsmen for 33 years. At the time of his passing on April 27, 2026, he served as Bass Section Leader, Music Librarian, and member of the Music Committee. Over more than three decades, Dave served the chorus in nearly every capacity, including on the Board of Directors. He sang in multiple quartets over the years, often more than one at a time, but his proudest musical achievement was the Durf Quartet: Dave alongside his sons Shad and Jon and grandson Andrew. With a bachelor’s degree in music education and a lifetime devoted to singing, Dave didn’t just participate in the Chordsmen. He was, for many of us, the very definition of one.

David Munroe Durfee was born August 13, 1946 in Nampa, Idaho to Zeland and Gladys Durfee. A lifelong Idahoan, Dave graduated from Boise High in 1964 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in music education and theology from Northwest Christian College and Boise Junior College. In 1968 he married Margaret Ann Cameron, beginning a 57-year adventure. Dave spent a brief stint teaching band and choir in Mackay and Weiser but his career in education only lasted two years because, in his own words “the pay was awful, Jr. High kids were worse.” After teaching, he built a career in the asphalt industry, eventually founding and operating Ada Asphalt. Dave and Marg raised three children: Shad, Leanne, and Jon. Their family grew to a crew of 15, and became Dave’s greatest pride. A faithful follower of Jesus, Dave served as an elder, choral director, and worship leader across multiple congregations in the Treasure Valley. He is survived by his wife Marg, his three children and their spouses, seven grandchildren, his sister Donna, and many extended family and friends.