Duane Roger Kirkes' Obituary
Duane R. Kirkes
(Gone Golfing)
Duane Kirkes, 63, was born in Tacoma on December 4th, 1944. We are saddened to say that his final journey is over and he passed away on November 21st after a brave battle with cancer. Duane lived in Tacoma all his life and attended both Wilson and Clover Park H. S. where he graduated. After a trip to Hawaii, he enlisted in the Air Force and served from 1963-1967 and was stationed for a year in Vietnam during the war. Upon his return, Duane married his high school sweetheart, Shayna Wilson. They have been together for 38 years. Duane spent the last 20 years working at Sea-Tac Airport as an airline fueler. He truly enjoyed the busy environment of the airport and will be missed by his many friends there. Besides his family, Duane's passion was golf. Not much interrupted his standing tee time at Meadow Park golf course on Sunday mornings with his friends. In 2001, he got that hole in one that all golfers dream about and was fortunate to take a trip to Myrtle Beach and play the courses there for his 60th birthday. Duane will fondly be remembered for his crazy sense of humor, his love and dedication to his family, his desire to help family and friends, his positive attitude, and his love for working with all his tools. Duane and Shayna were blessed with two sons, Donny and Jason, but their family also included the people who came into their lives, stayed, and called him "Papa." Left with wonderful memories are his wife Shayna, his sons Donald Kirkes (Rhonda), Jason Kirkes (Sophia Barclay), and Mike Ramos (Roxanne Flegal). He also leaves his mother, Edna Kirkes, sister Deanna Bosch (Dave), and brother Ron Kirkes (Judy). Duane was also "grandpa" to three young boys, Skyler Ramos, Christian Flegal, and Tylor Barclay. He also leaves aunts, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. His father, Duane (Bud) Kirkes, and his sister Claudia preceded him. The family would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported us in so many wonderful ways during Duane's illness. A special thank you to Franciscan Hospice and all their support during this time. We would like to invite you to celebrate Duane's life on Saturday, November 29th, 2008, 2:00, in the Mountain View Funeral Home Celebration of Life Center. A viewing is also on Saturday from 11 to 9. On line condolences may be placed at www.mountainviewtacoma.com Donations to Franciscan Hospice would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.
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