The Hon. Thomas Durkin passed away on Dec. 4, 2024. He was surrounded by his family when he peacefully succumbed to cancer after a long battle. He was 67 years old.
Among his many contributions to the Vermont legal community, Judge Durkin was a long-time member of the Board of Managers of the Vermont Bar Association. A pioneering environmental court judge, he was honored on Sept. 12 of this year at a special meeting and reception at the State House sponsored by the VBA’s Environmental Law Section.
Judge Durkin and Family at Environmental Law Section Event Sept. 12, 2024
Two weeks later (Sept 27), then-VBA President Judith Dillon presented him with The President’s Award at the VBA’s Annual Meeting at Lake Morey. This award, bestowed in the discretion of the president, recognizes those who have made exceptional contributions to the Bar. Judge Durkin and his family attended both events.
A celebration of Judge Durkin’s life will be held on Saturday, Dec.14th at 1 pm at Saint Michael’s Church in Brattleboro, VT. A reception will follow at The Retreat Farm, Brattleboro. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Vermont Law and Graduate School or the Harris Hill Ski Jump, Inc., ensuring that his commitment to community and preservation of the legal community lives on.
Judge Durkin Accepting President’s Award. Sept. 27, 2024
Judge Durkin’s full obituary will appear in the forthcoming winter issue of the Vermont Bar Journal.
