The New England Numismatic Association is sad to announce the passing ofmember Roger H. Durand, collector and author of U.S. Obsolete Currency books. He was predeceased by his second wife, Cheryl. He is survived by his first wife, Claire and his daughter Karen and three sons, Roger, Jr, Timothy and Christopher.

Roger's interest in collecting had its roots in Rhode Island where he started collecting coins and Civil War Tokens. His interests changed about 1970 and he became interested in paper money, especially the obsolete type from the State of Rhode Island. Roger shared what he learned from his hobby with others by writing about it. His first book, The Obsolete Banknotes of Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations is considered the bible of Rhode Island paper money. He also published a series of thirteen books following the theme, Interesting Notes about Interesting Bank Notes. Then, in 2011 he published the profusely illustrated 85 large page book, The Fabulous Roger H. Durand Santa Claus Notes Collection.

Roger served the collecting community as an officer in the various local clubs he belonged to and when regional and national clubs beckoned, he also served in various capacities there also. He was a past president of the Society of Paper Money Collectors, a past president of the Currency Club of New England, a past president of the Western Rhode Island Coin and Stamp Association and past president of the Pawtucket Numismatic Society.

Roger's involvement in the hobby led to many awards. He received the SPMCFirst Literary Award and two Awards of Merit. He also received the Numismatic Ambassador Award at that time given by Krause Publications. Roger's influence was felt throughout the hobby!

John & Nancy Wilson write:

Roger H. Durand was born in Central Falls, Providence County, Rhode Island, on March 24, 1935. His parents were Harold and Elsie Beck Durand. He worked for the John Hancock Insurance Co. and owned the Durand Insurance Agency in Central Falls, Rhode Island. He served with the Rhode Island National Guard. He was married twice with a daughter and three sons.

Durand's collection of Santa Claus notes was sold by Heritage Currency Auctions on January 5, 2012, lots 15689 through 15723.

He died on February 3, 2022, in Miriam Hospital in Providence.

To read his online obituary, see:
Roger H. Durand(https://www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com/obituary/Roger-Durand)