The Love of Many

To Dad:

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Life does not accommodate you; it shatters you. Every seed destroys its container, or else there would be no fruition.
Florida Scott-Maxwell

A thankful person is thankful under all circumstances. A complaining soul complains even in paradise.
Baha'u'llah

…when one’s heart is breaking about losing a special loved one it’s pretty darn tough to manage those emotions, so I understand your mother’s concern. It’s important to remember to breathe and take the time you need to say exactly what you want in honor of your father. Courage and strength will come.

I send love,
Laurel

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Thanks for the update. We have been wondering how things were going for Duane. I'm sure he enjoyed the short trips to the atrium and to see the mountains from the window. Your folks have a beautiful home and some good views. We surprised them several years ago and stopped by for a short visit on our way to Michigan.

We will continue to keep you all in our prayers and thoughts.
- Bob & Jan

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I continue to pray for both your mother and father whom I haven’t known for very long. I was on a committee with your father a few years ago and was in a couple of meetings that he led. I admire him for his leadership skills. He is a great man – which I am sure you know. I told him about my admiration and made him cry, just a couple of weeks ago. I watched both my parents suffer through illnesses (and later die) so my prayers are also with you and your brother and your families at this time.
- Deb

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My dear hearts, it is the small pleasures that are woven into the tapestry of our life that keep it strong. You are such an amazing family. I can just see your Dad's face saying he wanted it to last. His voice rings in my ears, and love for you all lives in my heart.

This comes with pure hugs and blessings for all of you.
- Cinda

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When I visited yesterday, the washer and dryer were working full speed. It's so hard to see your Dad this way when even during the brief years I have known him, he was always been so vital and full of energy. But.....true to form, at the beginning of our visit, he asked how my husband was. (He, too, is battling cancer.) Your Mom seems to be pretty strong…

- Susan

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He is a very special man who I feel privileged to know and have worked with. I wish I was closer so that I could stop in and see him. We had some great discussions regarding the world's problems during my year in Powell. My thoughts and prayers are continually with your family. Your dad and mom are two very special people!

PS: I enjoy reading your Blog and learning more about your family.

Jerry

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I think of Duane quite often and miss visiting with him at Envita. He and your mother are both very wonderful people and I love them both dearly! Please let him and her know that I said Hi and LOVE them both.

He is a very strong man, and every day when i would ask him "How ya doin' today?" he would always reply "WELL I'VE NEVER HAD A BAD DAY AND THATS NOT GOING TO START NOW." - Raven

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Duane and I went to Aerial Photo School together in Denver in 1952. After Graduation he went one way I went another. I was in Photo Mapping Squadron at West Palm Beach, Florida and was in another squadron in the same photo group.

We had a lot of good times together when we were in Denver. I remember especially the forth of July during the summer of 1952 when we hitchhiked from Denver to Powell. Duane went home and another buddy hitchhiked on to Great Falls, Mt. for the weekend.

My sister and here husband drove us back to Powell and we rode back to Denver in Duane's Plymouth.

I always wanted to see Duane again and we got in touch a couple of years ago by e-mail. I do have pictures of us from Denver if you think you would like them. He probably has the same ones.

Duane's Friend for Ever

Harvey

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Please tell your dad and mom they are in our hearts and prayers and we wish you all a Merry Christmas. In spite of your family's situation, take comfort the Good Lord loves you all.

- Cork & Loretta

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The report today is encouraging and uplifting. Duane, it’s wonderful you could view the surroundings of your home and the glorious countryside from a different perspective than your bed. I’ve always been so envious of that magnificent view of Heart Mountain from your front windows.

I’ve just spent time reading the blogs and responses. Since I’m not very “geeky” when it comes to such matters, this method of communication is new to me. The comments about, and written by, my classmates are of great interest to me. After I married George in June, 1952, I left Powell and came home only for brief visits. Those visits were spent primarily with family so my contact with my classmates, who had also moved on to other places, were limited. Reading about your early family days, and theirs, is most interesting. Jim related some stories which I either didn’t know about or had completely forgotten. This is wonderful history of the ‘49ers and I hope it brings a smile to your lips and a twinkle to your eye.

You are in my thoughts and prayers!

- Dolores

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Thanks for the recent report. I am also so glad you contacted the Powell Tribune about the governor's proclamation since we had not been aware of it. … I went … to see Duane personally and offer congratulations. … I also met Greg there that day and was able to tell him how much your dad has meant to all of us, as well as the schools and community. Sincerely, -

- Dave

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Our prayers are with your Dad. I know it has to be very hard on your Mother too. Again thanks for the Info.

- John

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I tried a couple of times to call, but got just the voice mail. I'll try again. Our prayers are for all of you and keep us in touch. I hesitate to tell your Dad about Earl, and perhaps that is something you can share with him.

- John

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We wish we were closer so we could come and see him more often. He has a wonderful family looking after him and that has to be such a great comfort to him. We love Duane like a father. We are SO glad that you all were able to come over to the Ranch for their Anniversary. It was a great time and we enjoyed meeting all of you.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you constantly.

Take Care and give your Dad a big hug from both of us.

God Bless,

- Scott & Becky

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We feel so badly for Duane. Can he have company, even for a short period, or best if we don't come? Merlin was a school classmate and they had good memories of FFA and other things that they had recently reminisced about. We had heard that he couldn't have company so we've stayed away, but continue to think about him and keep him in our prayer. At least tell him, "hello" from us.

Love,

- Merlin and Elaine

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You are very fortunate to have such a great man in your life.

- Richard

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Both Bailey and I wish to express our deepest sympathy and condolences to the whole family on the situation with Duane. I had been in communication with Duane on a regular basis up until the time he returned to WY where I think I only heard maybe once since he returned home from Arizona. I was a close friend and a poker buddy with Duane for many years and even worked for Duane before he retired. I (we) often remember all of the wonderful times we had both here in 'Seattle' and even more the couple of times we visited in Powell. I will express later a couple of the great stories we had when Duane prepared one of his fabulous 'Pitch-fork' BBQ's when we last visited him in WY. Again, please know that we both hold you ALL in our thoughts and prayers.

- John and Bailey