LINCOLN – Durwood W. Birtz, 76, died July 2, 2006, at a local hospital. He was born Oct. 29, 1929, in Worcester, Mass., the son of Wilfred J. “Gling” and Beatrice M. (Boyce) Birtz. Durwood was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He enjoyed fishing and watching the Red Sox and the Patriots. His charm, wit and love of music will be missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his children, Bryan F. and his wife, Karen Birtz, of Worcester, Mass., Susan R. and her husband, Francis Ducharme, of Rutland, Mass., D. Mark and his wife, Donna Birtz, of Charlton, Mass., Marianne B. and her husband, Edward Gemme, of Rutland, Mass., Mark Birtz and his girlfriend, Toni Whitney, of Lincoln and Scott Birtz and his wife, Ruth, of Lincoln; brothers, Wilfred E. and his wife, Royanne and three children, Bennett Birtz and three children; sister, Dawne Ann Birtz; grandchildren, Heidi A. Davis, Robert A. Jerszyk Jr., Andrew E. Gemme, Tanya M. Lamothe, Peter L. Gemme, Shawn B. Birtz, William J. Birtz, Jonathan M. Birtz, Stephen Birtz, Thomas Birtz, Christopher Birtz, Kayla J. Birtz, Monique Birtz and Chauntel Birtz; great-grandchildren, Austin, Haven, Cheyanne, Deyondra, Arturo Jr., Kyle, Eric, Keith, Isaiah, Gavin, Dylan, and Zachery; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a stepmother, Julia (Tromovitch) Birtz; and a sister-in-law, Mary Birtz. At Durwood’s request, a private service will be held by the family. Because of the compassionate care and kindness the family received during their father’s last hours, donations may be sent in memory of Durwood Birtz, to Penobscot Valley Hospital, care of Dave Shannon, P.O. Box 368, Lincoln, ME 04457. Arrangements by Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Rd., Lincoln. For an online register book, please visit www.clayfuneralhome.com