Chris Durkee’s story begins in Boston, where he spent his childhood summers at his grandmother’s house on Cape Cod, sailing, swimming, and snorkeling. At 15, his family relocated to Los Angeles, where Chris’s love for building and creating led him to construct a hang glider with his classmates in high school—a testament to his adventurous spirit.
Chris attended the University of Southern California, earning a degree in Architecture. It was shortly after this that he met his wife, Kit, at Bel Air Presbyterian Church. The couple started their life together in Claremont, where Chris embarked on a career in construction project management. With a passion for learning, he pursued an MBA while working full time, and found his calling in pre-construction planning—a field that suited his skills in creativity, collaboration, and budgeting. Over his career, he contributed to major projects with Turner Construction and Kajima Construction, including a convention center expansion at Disneyland, a high-rise tower, and a 5,000-seat cathedral.
Chris and Kit’s family grew with the births of their children, Tim and Joy, followed by the adoption of Allyson. Their son Tim brought the Durkee family to Oregon, where they eventually settled in Lake Oswego. Tim serves as a firefighter/paramedic with the Lake Oswego Fire Department, while Joy works as an teaching assistant in the special education program at Lake Oswego High School, inspiring students by living a fulfilling life with spina bifida. Chris and Kit are also proud grandparents to four grandchildren, ranging from toddlers to teenagers, who bring immense joy to their lives.
After retiring in 2016, Chris moved to Lake Oswego and, with Tim’s help, built a woodworking shop. His love for woodworking began in junior high, and over time, he’s amassed an impressive collection of tools. Chris finds fulfillment in designing and crafting each piece with care and dedication.
Chris and Kit enjoy camping with family and friends, especially in Southern Utah’s breathtaking national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches. Closer to home, they love visiting Champoeg State Heritage Area. Their recent travels took them on a Rick Steves tour through Italy, where they explored the northern Alps, Lake Como, Venice, Florence, and Tuscany, creating cherished memories along the way.
In Lake Oswego, Chris remains deeply engaged in his community. He attends Athey Creek Church, where he volunteers on the parking and shuttle team, helping churchgoers navigate the crowded parking lot and ensuring they arrive on time. Through his church and his role as PNA’s Land Use Coordinator, Chris continues to represent the values of family, community, and service that have always guided him.
