On a beautiful, cool, breezy morning well over a hundred people gathered at the Sumac Loop TTrailhead in Pickstown to celebrate and honor Lisa M. Durham at the dedication of her memorial trail...

On a beautiful, cool, breezy morning well over a hundred people gathered at the Sumac Loop Trailhead in Pickstown to celebrate and honor Lisa M. Durham at the dedication of her memorial trail. To see just a fraction of how many lives that Lisa had touched in her lifetime was an overwhelming and joyous sight to behold. Family, friends and co-workers and community members all gathered to be a part of this special day for Lisa and her family.

The ceremony began with the welcome and introduction by Russell Kieffer, the Operations Project Manager of the Fort Randall Project. Remarks and the official naming of the trail were then given by Colonel Robert J. Newbauer, Commander of the Omaha District United States Army Corps of Engineers. The event’s guest speaker was Thomas Curran, a retired Operations Project Manager of the Fort Randall Project. Robert (Buzzy) Durham, Lisa’s husband, then spoke on behalf of Lisa’s family. Finally, Cody Wilson, Deputy Operations Project Manager of the Fort Randall Project gave the closing remarks of the ceremony.

Each of these individuals had known and worked with Lisa at some point during her 27 years at the Corp of Engineers. Everyone remarked and spoke of not only Lisa’s commitment to her job but the way she served others. Lisa gave her all in everything that she did. Not only was it stated about what a remarkable co-worker and person that Lisa was, but also her love of the outdoors, walking the Wagner Community School track, gardening and of course her family.

When Robert started giving the families’ statement, the feeling in the air was both happy and heavy, knowing the love he has for his wife, Lisa, and the unimaginable grief of losing her. Robert was surrounded by his family as his three daughters Jennifer, Brandy and Christina would not have missed this special event for anything. Four of the five grandchildren of Robert and Lisa’s were also able to be a part of this special event. Lisa lived for her family, especially her daughters. She was very proud of them and all five of her grandchildren Lanna, Grace, Jameson, Jackson and Josie.

When asked how Lisa’s three daughters felt about the dedication this is what Jennifer, Brandy and Christina had to say. “The trail dedication is deeply meaningful to us because it represents a heartfelt representation of what our mom was passionate about. She truly lived an active and healthy lifestyle and that has transcended to all of us. This honor also represents her dedication to the Corps of Engineers and it’s a way to honor her memory and acknowledge the profound impact she had on not only our lives, but the lives of others. This dedication helps keep her spirit alive and allows us to reflect on her legacy with gratitude and love.”

Deputy Operations Project Manager, Cody Wilson said it best when he said there are so many people that helped make this project come to fruition, but instead of naming everyone, it was Lisa’s day, and the spotlight needed be on just her. Just as Lisa valued her family and her time outdoors it is fitting that the trail is now named in her honor. Her legacy will live on as others who walk the trail with their loved ones and families will be doing the same thing that she would have done with hers.