Ensley Lyle Applegate
August 12, 1945 - April 16, 2008
Obituary
Ensley ‘Duke’ Lyle Applegate, age 62, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, April 16, 2008 in Federal Way. Duke is survived by his wife of 20 years, Barbara; sisters, Sonia Perno, Sherri Barredo and June Ryan; brother, Joe ‘Elvis’ Applegate Kathy; numerous nieces and nephews and his sister-in-law, Donna Applegate. He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles ‘Collie’ Applegate. Visitation will be held on Monday, 04/21 from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 12:30 pm at BONNEY-WATSON Federal Way, 1535 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way, WA. 253 839-7317. The family prefers memorial contributions be made to the Franciscan Hospice, 2901 Bridgport Way W., University Place, WA 98466-4631 or the American Cancer Society.
To Barbara and Family,
Just a note to let you know how much I will miss Duke. I always enjoyed talking to him on campus. He always seem to care about how I was doing. One thing I really liked about him was how happy and upbeat he was. He always had a great, positive attitude! He went too soon from this earth but I know he is in a wonderful place now with the Lord.
I am so sorry I coundn’t be at his service, I have been home, sick for several days.
Chris
Duke used to drive a Cushman truck to Building 18 at Highline Community College to pick up bags of shredded paper and punch holes. We constantly teased each other about making “punch-hole” soup. I told him that I would steal his Cushman truck one day and go for a joyride on I-5 at the top speed of 5 mph.
In the earth made new, I am asking the Lord for a cottage made of punch holes, as well as two Cushman trucks. When Duke stops by for a visit, we will hop into the trucks and race each other on the street of gold.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at the passing of Duke. He always had a smile whenever I ran into him on the Highline campus- it always brightened my day. He will be missed.
Dear Barbara and Family,
I had known Duke since I started at Highline. It has been a pleasure to know Duke. Even though he is not here anymore but he is still in the hearts of many of us. I will miss his wonderful sense of humors. My deepest condolences go out to your family.
My sincere condolences to the Applegate family. I wish you peace. Finally, he is at peace. I know that it’s been a difficult time lately for his loved ones.
Duke was truly a rare bird. He always made a point of saying “Hello!” “How are you doing?!” or “Nice to see you!” Sometimes I wasn’t in the greatest mood when he said those things to me, but later I would think about how nice it was to hear them.
He loved to eat and he liked to talk about cooking special meals. Duke and Barbara were often seen sharing a morning coffee or a lunchtime meal. If you ever needed anything, Duke would find a way to help out. One year at the Opening Week ceremony, I remember that one of the instructors said that her goal was “to be more like Duke Applegate.”
The best thing that we can do now is to try to be more like Duke. His memory will live forever for those of us who were privileged to know him and work with him.
He was the Duke of Highline, the smile that greeted everyone–from student to president–every day, no matter what. Duke set the tone of the campus: Inclusion and We are Glad to See You. As a faculty member, I miss him already, but I know it is not as much as you, his family, misses him. My sympathies go out to you all– Angi Caster, HCC
Hi Barbara, even though I didn’t work directly with Duke, I enjoyed Duke!
Immediately after I started working at Highline, Duke came in my office and introduced himself to me, and then welcomed me to the Campus – even though he was retired.
I enjoyed his friendliness and kindness towards me whenever we saw each other.
My prayers are with you and your family.
Take Care,
Sherry Stroud
Dear Barbara and Family,
Who can ever forget Duke’s big grin and waving to everybody from his delivery cart as he went around campus. He was always so cheerful and had a good word for everybody he met. He really was a dear and I will remember him always. Even in his final months his blue eyes sparkled and he had a big smile when you came into his room. Remember when he put on that St. Patty’s green hat and had us laughing? Bless you all.
Sincerely,
To Barbara and family,
Duke was a great friend. He will be missed by so many.
Love to all, Marilyn
Dear Barbara,
I’m so very sorry that Duke is gone, but I know in my heart that he is in a much better place now.
I went to visit him two more times before he died…the last one was the Monday before he died. Both times he was in a very deep sleep but looked very peaceful. I knew when I saw him last Monday that that would be my last visit.
Duke was a wonderful and always happy guy. It was my pleasure to know him and call him “friend”.
May God bless you and your family as you grieve for your loved one.
Love from Carolyn
PS: I will not be attending his funeral because I’m obligated to take care of my great-granddaughter on Tuesdays but my thoughts and prayers will be with you.
I was so sorry to hear of Duke’s illness and passing. I worked at HCC from 1987 – 1993 about the time Duke was hired. He was so friendly and caring about everyone on campus and he was always so friendly and cheerful. Duke will be missed by all who ever knew him. Barbara – I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved Duke. Bless you.
Dear Barbara and family,
It has been a joy and a privilege to know Duke these past twenty years at HCC. He gifted us all with his daily cheerfulness wrapped with kindness, warmth, acceptance, and community. He will be missed by so many people. I miss him greatly. I send you my sympathy and I hold you in my prayers.
Barbara, this is coming 11 years too late and I don’t even know if you’ll get a chance to see this. James and I have been searching for you and dude for quite some time and just remembered your married name. I’m so sorry that we forgot! If we had known this was happening we absolutely would have been there to support you. Duke was an amazing man and you guys were so good together! I see the anniversary is tomorrow and our hearts are with you.
If you do happen to see this or if someone happens to read it that knows how to contact Barbara, please send me an email or call 206-371-2457.
Love you my brother..i wish could find barb..i found out she is with her sister..i hope still..you are in gods hands now..rest now dear brother