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I have tears rolling down my cheeks as I type this, but I have to get this news out. Duane's phone called me and I answered, and Maralee was on the line. She gave me news that I NEVER ever wanted to hear. Duane died yesterday. He was at work and about to clock out yesterday afternoon when it happened. The coroner's prelim indication was that it was a coronary event. Other workers performed CPR after he collapsed, but to no avail. Duane was 56 and no apparent health issues.

Maralee had lunch with Duane yesterday and asked him when he would be heading home, he said about 3:40. It was right about then when this happened. I will share more later, as I get time and get past the trauma.

I can't talk right now because work is upside down until tomorrow evening, but Maralee wanted me to get this out to his FJR friends online. She said that she will update me as to when the service will be, but it will be in Simpsonville, SC.

I can't believe my riding buddy and good friend is gone! I am wrecked.

Please pray for Maralee and her daughters as they struggle with this! Dead Serious.

-Mark


UPDATE: 1/20/2023: 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/

10/24/23 - Edit to add:

Wow, just wow. This really sucks.

f@$k. Terrible news. Far too young.

Damn…my deepest condolences to all of his friends & family…

Our hearts are with Marilee and you my friend. We're here - let's talk about what we can do to help...

love you buddy...

Wayne

Just a side note: Duane took me under his wing even before I moved down here, and took me riding everywhere. He had routes...everything I know is because he took me there. We didn't talk much during rides, maybe because we were grinning so much, or maybe because we're both quiet.

This avitar, that I use often, shows two bikes. Duane's is in front, as he usually led these rides. This is in Virginia during an EOM. It was rainy and foggy, and we JUST got out of the dreariness and the fog and up into the sunshine and blue sky. Let's hope that Duane is out of the fog and up into the sunshine and blue sky right now.

I'm going to miss you buddy, friend.

Man this just jumped up and smacked me. Condolences from Line and I to all who will grieve his passing. A quiet thoughtful man who struck me as a person people should get to know better.

If we can help we will.

bungie4 wrote: ↑Thu Jan 19, 2023 2:11 pm A quiet thoughtful man who struck me as a person people should get to know better.

I never have words when something like this happens. I think those words are also how I felt about Duane.
I was really looking forward to riding with him this spring.

Condolences to his family.

Dang - that is sad news. Didn't know Duane or Marilee well but had dinner with them in Mariposa at the first YFO event. Way too young for this to happen. I know the FJR community will step in to help wherever possible.
Prayers -Glen

Man, 2023 sure is off to a roaring start... I'm so sorry to see this... I wish I had any sort of words to make it even a tiny bit better but unfortunately that is not a gift I've been given... huge love going out to Marilee and his family and to all those whose life he touched... you especially, Mark... in case it hasn't been said lately, I love all you mofos... <3

Sorry to hear this.

Marie and I give our condolences to Duane’s family, friends, and all who knew him.

Another sober reminder that life is short.

Duane was a man that could solve many a problem...like how to transport a home cooked pie to an event on a motorcycle...


Duane is on the far right of this picture at Sassafras Mountain. Maralee is next to him.


Duane, far left, "helping" Festus repair a flat

I can't even believe this. There are no words. I just met him with Wheaton back in the fall. Instantly fell in love with him. If there's anything I (we) can do, Mark, just say the word.

I'm so sorry for the terrible loss to all his family and his friends.

This hits hard. Thankful I got to experience the Cherohala Skyway with Duane (and Wheaton) but he will be missed by so many.

Like many of you, I have no words right now.

God Speed Duane.

RIP Duane - No other words but "This Sucks".

Wow...this news does suck. RIP Duane

Terrible news! I was hoping to see him again in May, it's been a while.

Duane was thoughtful. He didn’t find a need to fill every silence with talk.

But when he did talk, it was always insightful or funny. Made you really listen. He came up with some gems.

I’m not terribly social, and Duane being fairly stoic, it took a few rides to figure each other out. Figure out each other’s habits and humor. Over repeated rides with Mark and with others, we gelled.

I was blessed with the absolute joy of meeting Duane and Wheaton for a ride recently. All three of us on comms. Each leading a leg of the day’s route at different times, all at spirited paces. We laughed a lot.

He was a righteous dude. A rarity, as someone who intentionally thought and listened far more than he spoke.

And man, he could ride the shit out of that FJR.

Damn! Not even sure what to say. This is terrible news!!