Brian D. Durgin
July 12, 1966 ~ June 9, 2025
Born in:
Thief River Falls, Minnesota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
It is with great sadness that the family of Brian David Durgin announces his sudden and unexpected passing on June 9, 2025.
Brian was born on July 12, 1966, in Thief River Falls, MN, the son of David and June (Goplin) Durgin.
His teenage years were spent in the Fargo-Moorhead area where he would go on to attend NDSU and meet his future wife, Rochelle Siems, at a local dorm party. In 1994, they married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead and settled in Fargo to raise their family.
Brian majored in Architecture and Environmental Design, graduating in 1991 from NDSU. He worked at RHRA Architects, a firm he took ownership of in 2006.
In his free time, Brian enjoyed spending time at the lake, fishing with friends and family—especially with daughter, Emily, who shared his love of fishing. He was also passionate about hockey, coaching his son Zach’s youth hockey teams and later playing alongside him in an adult league. Brian loved traveling with his family, including a recent hiking trip near Duluth with his wife and son, and a trip to Colorado to see his daughter. An avid hunter, some of his most cherished memories include hunting on family land in Minnesota and a bear hunting expedition to Canada with friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, June Dewerff; his father, David Durgin; his stepfather, Stan Dewerff; and his father-in-law, Robert Siems.
He is survived by his wife, Rochelle Durgin; his children, Emily and Zach Durgin; his stepmother, Barb Durgin; his mother-in-law, Nancy Siems; his brother, Jay (Monique) Durgin; niece, Rowan Durgin; his stepsiblings, Mike Dewerff and Michele (Jeffrey) Murphy; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services
Visitation - Friday: June 20, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Memorial Service - Friday: June 20, 2025 7:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
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Brian, you were the first guy I met at my first architecture job at RPA. We had a lot of laughs in your Civic during our road trips to various USPS projects across the Dakotas and Minnesota.
Rochelle, Emily, and Zach,
So shocked and sad to hear of Brian’s passing. He was a such great guy and coach that we have lots of fun memories of from hockey days. We are praying for all of you right now.
Schwabs
I remember when Wayne and Riley hired Brian at RPA. He was a young ambitious man that worked very hard to perfect his designs! I truly cherished the time I was able to work with him and was proud of him when he took over the firm from Riley! He was one of those great guys that are forever remembered!! I’ll be praying for comfort for his family.
Rochelle, Emily and Zach,
We are so saddened to hear about Brian’s passing. He was one of the hockey dads that stayed in touch over all these years. He will be missed dearly. We are sorry for your loss and we will hold you in our Prayers.
Brian, Leah, Jared, Joey Bjorkman
For over 35 years, Brian wasn’t just a loyal client—he was part of my life. Our appointments were never just about haircuts; they were about connection, laughter, and the kind of stories that stayed with you long after he walked out the door.
He always had the best stories about his kids—his pride in them came through every time he spoke. I still laugh thinking about the time he drove all the way home from the lake, only to realize he’d left the dog behind… an hour and a half away! That was just who he was—funny, humble, and always ready with a tale that would make your day a little brighter.
Every time I asked if he wanted to schedule his next appointment, I’d hold my breath, waiting for the moment he’d say he bought a clipper and was going to start cutting his own hair. But he never did. He came in like clockwork, every four weeks, and those regular visits became a comforting rhythm in my life.
Not long ago, he joked that I was the longest relationship he’d had with a woman—besides his mom. He was happily married (though I knew him before he even met his wife), but when he said that, it genuinely touched me. He made me feel appreciated in a way that was rare and sincere.
His loyalty, his humor, and his gentle spirit left a mark not just on me, but on everyone lucky enough to know him. He will be deeply missed—but never forgotten.
Rest easy, Brian. Thank you for the stories, the laughs, and the years of friendship.
I had quite a few occasions to work with Brian on various F-M stucco projects. He was one of the kindest and most realistic professionals in his discipline. The construction industry was better for your presence Brian. You will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to Rochelle and the rest of Brian’s family.
We are so sorry to hear that Brian isn’t with us anymore. He was always so kind; quick with a smile and a laugh. We will miss him at the hockey games and talking with him in the neighborhood. Your family is in my prayers.
Sean, Kelli, Aiden, Ella and John Bourke
Dear Rochelle, Emily, Zach, and family of Brian Durgin,
You are in our hearts at a sad time of loss. Brian was an outstanding architecture student of mine at NDSU, mostly in 1989 and 1990. I remember him well as a hardworking, capable young man, eager to learn new things and thoughtful in applying things he learned during studio desk critiques. His loyal friendship is remembered fondly by several classmates. I was very pleased and proud of Brian when he stepped up and became owner of RPA Architects. Brian was always trustworthy and very professional in all his professional work. I continued trying to “keep tabs” on Brian’s professional growth in discussing his career with my old friend Riley Rogers. In recent years I was pleased to learn from his brother Jay that Brian was making plans for more recreational time with his family and his friends. Brian knew he was loved, and of course he will be missed. Hold on tight to all your happy memories of good times with Brian. He was a wonderful man, an architect dedicated to doing the best for his chosen profession, and a family man with a loving spirit for life. Be at peace, Brian. You are missed and lovingly remembered.
Steve Martens, NDSU Emeritus Architecture Professor
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Brian Durgin. As a valued tenant in our building, Brian was not only a part of our professional community, but also someone whose kindness and presence will be missed.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
May he rest in peace.
With deepest sympathy,
Manchester Office Building/Archer Commercial Property Management
Of all the people that I’ve known in my life, I can say with absolute certainty that Brian was always one of those people that took the time to ask me how I was doing, and how life was going – and then he listened. Without a shadow of a doubt, I knew that he truly cared about and loved those around him – especially his family. He was a genuine good guy and I’ll miss our chats around the campfire, the grill and while passing each other in the boat on one of our favorite walleye holes.
May God rest your soul Brian. Save some walleyes for me.
Dear Rochelle and Family,
I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Brian’s passing. I’m truly at a loss for words. Brian’s friendship meant so much to me, ever since those early days together at the NDSU Quonset. We shared countless memories over the years, and I’m heartbroken to know he’s gone.
Brian was the best architect I’ve ever known—not flashy, but practical, pragmatic, logical, and always process-oriented. His work reflected who he was: thoughtful, steady, and deeply committed.
We shared so many laughs—whether it was schooners of beer and chili at Lauerman’s, Friday afternoons enjoying free hot wings at the Ground Round, catching our favorite bands at Kirby’s, or texting with our buddy Dan when the Spuds finally won the big game. I’ll always be especially grateful for our time together last summer at the Gear Daddies / Soul Asylum show in Fargo, and for the warmth and hospitality you both showed to our families.
Please know you, Emily, and Zach are in my thoughts during this incredibly difficult time. Brian was truly one of a kind, and I will miss him dearly.
Steve