Duane David Morrison
February 15, 1949 - April 26, 2003
Obituary
Duane David Morrison was born, in Seattle, Washington, on February 15, 1949, to Gilbert and Thelma ”Ruby” Morrison. He was the youngest of three children, following sister, Cheron, and brother, Don. He was an adorable child, and, by all reports, mischievous and always up to something. There are many family stories, in which Duane’s antics pushed the envelope of family members’ tolerance. It has been alleged by several, that he could be quite a tormentor, particularly of his nieces and nephews. However, these stories have always been told with much fondness and amusement much later.
Duane lived in the Burien area most of his life, until 1986, when he moved to Kent to be with Rikki. He played saxophone in the band, in school. His father taught him to bowl at a young age. Don says that the first time Duane picked up a bowling ball, though, he dropped it and broke his toe. He spent many years in the youth bowling program at Olympic Bowl, even becoming Washington State Junior Champion one year! He graduated from Highline High School in 1967. In the tradition of the Morrison family, he loved to hunt and fish. He felt there was no cathedral greater than the places of nature that God had created. He was also an avid golfer!
Duane served in the U. S. Air Force from June 1968 to June 1972, as a Security Policeman, and was stationed at Pleiku, Vietnam, from 1970-71. He was proud of his service, and his country, and has been a member of the American Legion for several years. After leaving the Air Force, Duane worked at Lewis and Clark Lanes for several years. He has worked for Hertz Car Rental, here at Sea Tac, since June 1986.
Duane and Rikki met in January 1986, having been ”set up” by her parents, Bob and Lois Patterson, who had met him a couple of months before. Rikki is fond of saying, ”My parents picked him up in a bar.” Rikki and Duane met at ”happy hour” at the Hyatt Hotel in Sea Tac, when Lois very un-casually said, ”Bob, isn’t that Duane over there? Go say ‘hi’ and bring him over.” Thank you, Mom and Dad! Duane, a few weeks later, took Rikki out to a very nice restaurant for their first official date. He was unemployed at the time, and had very little ready cash. Rikki found out, many months later, that Duane had sold his hunting rifle to pay for that dinner. If you know the Morrison men, at all, you know that this was an ultimate act of love! Duane and Rikki were married on December 28, 1986. They have lived in Kent since that time, and have had four ”kanine kids”, Tony, Trinket, Sugar and Nutmeg. Duane and Rikki, and ”kids”, loved to go ”camping” in their motor home. His favorite trips were to Ocean Shores.
Duane went on ahead of us, Saturday, April 26, 2003. Through the grace of God, and Jesus Christ, we will see him again.
If you had Duane as a friend, you had a fiercely loyal friend. As a husband, son, brother, nephew, grandson, uncle or friend and father to the ”kids”, he was … and will always be … our ”Best Friend”.
Duane was almost like another brother to me, and I will miss seeing and hearing from him. I recall many golf excursions to Horseshoe Lake and other places…mostly I remember the first time we golfed Riverbend in Kent though..it was my firts time on a real golf course…shot 173…Duane was quite amused I am sure…Love, Rich
This was a beautiful Memorial for a beautiful man. Love you forever, Rikki.
Uncle Duane, You will be missed in my heart and I will always love you. Thanks for all the wonderful memories, especially that late night caper at our wedding when you WOULDN’T go home. Love Kelly and Leanne
Rikki, though I never met Duane I feel as if I know him through you..I feel sad for you and the family and for those of us who would have enjoyed knowing him given more time..My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time,and may God help you through your grief….Love,Carol
Duane was such a welcoming and fun guy. To me, he had a sense of humor that always kept me on my toes. I know Duane was loved so much by so many people. He was a true blessing, and his memory will live on always.
Duane was a kind, funny, life loving person and I miss him very much.
I will never forget our sports conversations during the annual christmas parties. I will remember his smile, his love for his dogs, and the kindness that always radiated from him.
He was my uncle and I didnt know him very well. I wish I could of spent more time together. The only thing I think we had in common other than being related is we both loved golf. He probably could of done wonders for my golf game. Uncle Duan love you and see you soon.
Best wishes to you and your puppies.
May your memories sustain and bless you. With Deepest Sympathy. Mary
My condolences to Rikki and all the family.
I share your loss of a spouse and if there is anything I can do to help let me know.
i will never forget what a wonderful caring person you were it was such a pleasure to work with you you always made me laugh and smile even at those days i just didnt want to be there youll never be forgotten duane rest in peace my freind. from lisa webb