Three Minutes with Dan Durfey

Published 5:00 pm Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Middle school science teacher and coach for the Umatilla School District

When and why did you move to Umatilla?

In 2005. It was hard trying to find property in Umatilla County that you could have horses and 4-H pigs that was affordable. Found some property here for a house, raising kids and animals.

Where is your favorite place to eat in Umatilla?

Acapulco Food Truck.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Raising two awesome kids. I am still involved in the family rodeo business supplying bucking bulls to all of the amateur rodeos in the Pacific Northwest. Fishing, hunting, camping and traveling.

What surprises you about Umatilla?

Small-town feel. I grew up in a town a lot smaller than Umatilla and living here has the same small-town feel.

What was the last book you read?

“The Plague of Swords” by Miles Cameron.

What website or app do you use most other than Facebook?

Google Chrome.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go, and why?

Australia. I visited Sydney in high school and really want to go back because of the people and the sites.

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you?

Some of the high school players that I coach took a picture of my face and then supersized it into a giant poster cutout, and the players were wearing my face around the Umatilla High School gym during a basketball game.

What is one of your goals for the next 12 months?

Try to make it through a full school year with students in school the whole year.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My two kids, Trent and Taylor.