RIP - my buddy 1911/Duane Wellington just passed away

[Redfish]

I never rode with Duane but I did get a chance to meet him and visit with him. Those of you that knew him well know that he didn't say much so to say that we "talked"...might not exactly describe our time together. I did get him to grin and laugh a little and he finally gave me a few words. I knew he was a Great Guy because some of the Greatest Guys on this forum said so. It was an honor to have met the man and I will always regret that I never made the time to go riding with him and That Group.

Mark/Wheaton, I am so very sorry for you. My heart aches for you right now.

Y'all ride safe. Tomorrow ain't guaranteed.

JSNS...

[Pterodactyl]

Beyond sad for his wife and family. Families aren’t ready for the loss at his age. My dad passed suddenly at age 56. It is very difficult to live with such a loss.

[escapefjrtist]

So sorry to read this Mark. Sending our best to you and Duane's family during this terrible time.

G&J

[Road Runner]

This does suck. He was way too young. RIP Duane. Prayers for all who is grieving.

[Abercrombie FJR]

I'm sure I've bumped into Duane at an event or two but I don't recall ever meeting or speaking to him. This sucks, 56 is way too young and reminds me to live life to the fullest as I hit the big 60 last September. I sure wish I would've known him, I feel for his family and close FJR buddies.

[wheatonFJR]

[wheatonFJR]

A good day riding with Duane and some of Duane's friends...
viewtopic.php?p=68490#p68490

All photos by Duane...

In Canada...


Duane chasing ricky racers on the Cherohala...


Same day...frog strangler shelter with Duane's buddy John.


Duane chasing John Nodine...


Good buds... Duane with John and the one armed riding wizard

[CraigRegs]

Never easy to read one of these threads. My condolences to Duane's family and those of you fortunate enough to know him better than I. Ride on, brother.

[NTXFJR]

I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr Duane, but judging by his humility and general attitude, and it's not mine to say of course, but I think he's in a better place and living easy now. It's just that the rest of us are left behind with longing. I look forward to meeting him in the presence of our Lord one day and shaking his hand.

[Bounce]

So sorry to hear this. I know it's probably too soon but that seems young for a massive heart attack. Any idea about what happened yet?

[extrememarine]

For anyone who would like to share pictures they have with or of 1911 here but does not have the ability to host them, please feel free to email them to me at "extrememarine@hotmail.com"; I will host using forum resources. IF you email me, please PM me here so I know to look for your email.

Wayne

[wheatonFJR]

So sorry to hear this. I know it's probably too soon but that seems young for a massive heart attack. Any idea about what happened yet?

No word except what I posted in the first post. As family will be viewing this, I'd rather that not be the topic of thread. If I find out something different, I will let you know at that time. I'd prefer this thread to be about remembrances and funeral arrangements...just in case anyone is traveling.

[FastPappy]

Condolences to the family and to you on the loss of your friend. And another of the FJR family is gone. There are no words.

[Auburn]

So sorry to hear this. Way too young. Hard to read about someone that is younger than me passing. I never met Duane in person, but always liked to read his posts. RIP 1911

[John d]

Wheatie. Sorry you lost your best riding buddy. That for sure is tough. I knew of him and wanted to meet him some day. From what I know he seemed somewhat like me, never speaking or writing too much, and loved riding and playing the blues. Shit, this just sucks.

[wheatonFJR]

I just got a text from Marilee:

-Visitation will be this coming Sunday from 3-5pm, January 22nd at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home in Simpsonville, SC.
1604 NE Main St, Simpsonville, SC 29681

-Funeral will be on Monday at 2pm. - Same location.

(The linked obituary contains the time and location details as well)


https://thomasmcafee.com/obituary/duane ... ellington/

[dcarver]

The angel of death strikes again. I guess we never really know when or where?

Only met Duane once that I can recall. But we 'swapped' fuel injectors... and the accompanying phone calls now seem funny in retrospect.

'Duane, you still on the phone? Duane?'

RIP my friend.

[bungie4]

I'll be heading south on my way to Florida. I won't be able to make the visitation but i should be able to attend the service on Monday.

Details to follow as it plays out.

[huron52]

So sorry to hear this. Way Way too young!

[bill lumberg]

I’m having difficulty extricating myself from work stuff. May be able to attend visitation Sunday (likely). I know several others are in flux trying to make an appearance. I’m interested in who might make a visit on what day, so I know who to look for.