Ballston Spa, NY - Robert Bomparte Durden passed away Sunday, April 10, 2011. He was 72. Born on October 18, 1938 in Fort Smith, AR, he was the son of the late Harmon Asa and Hilda Bomparte Durden. Robert grew up in Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma. After high school he majored in art and English in college. He continued his artistic talent by sketching and painting, and embarked on a lifelong career as an educator, teaching English in Oklahoma, Newfoundland and Germany. Following that he settled into his position as English teacher and Department Chairperson at Mechanicville High School, where he dedicated himself to making literature come alive and to personally touch the lives of all the students he felt privileged to teach. It was at the high school where Robert met and later married the love of his life, Vera, who shared 38 years with him. Following retirement in 1996, Robert became an enthusiastic member of the local Home Made Theater, acting in a number of plays over the years. In the past few years, he also taught aqua jogging classes at the YMCA, sharing his zest for life and making exercise fun for all. Robert's warm smile and infectious sense of humor will be remembered by all who knew him. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his younger sister, Lynn Durden Medley. Mr. Durden is survived by his wife Vera and his son, John Harmon Durden of Ballston Spa; two sisters, Becky Putnam of Tulsa, OK, Gina Mantura of Greensboro, NC; one brother-in-law, Robert L. Medley, Jr. and his wife Trina of Edmond, OK; several nieces, nephews grandnieces and grandnephews. Relatives and friends may call from 5 to 7pm Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373). Private services will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY; Home Made Theater, P.O. Box 1182, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or a charity of one's choice. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.