Bryan A. Durksen of Lompoc passed away Friday, April 22, 2011, at the age of 51 after a sudden but courageous battle with cancer.

Bryan was born June 23, 1959, in Redwood City, California. He was raised and educated in San Jose, and then he joined the United States Air Force after graduating from high school. He was stationed in Japan and New Mexico before coming to Vandenberg Air Force Base in 1982 where he met his wife Laurie.

Bryan continued to support his country through his employment at Vandenberg Air Force Base as a station manager working for the Naval Research Lab. He was a member of the Lompoc-Santa Ynez Masonic Lodge #262.

Bryan was a life-long learner who liked to be challenged. He succeeded in improving everything he touched, especially anything with an engine, including his 1968 Camaro. He was an avid motorcycle rider, had a large circle of supportive friends, and was always available to anyone who needed him.

Bryan is survived by his loving wife Laurie of 28 years, his beloved son Adam of El Dorado, cherished daughter Jessica of San Diego, brother Eric of Sacramento, brother Bruce of El Dorado, his father Charles of San Jose and numerous nieces and nephews.

An evening vigil service will be held on Friday, April 29, from 6-8 pm in the chapel of the Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. The graveside service will be held at 10:30 on Saturday, April 30, in the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Bryan's last request was for donations to the Masons of California project "By Your Side," a certified nurse oncologist scholarship program. Donations can be made online, "By Your Side" at freemason.org or mailed to Office of Philanthropy/Grand Lodge of California, 1111 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108.
A special thanks to the oncology nurses and his doctors at Cottage Hospital, for the exceptional care and support of Bryan and his family.