On Nov. 30, 2007, after a long illness, Duane (as he was known to most) died peacefully at his home in Marysville, Wash., with his family by his side.
He was born on a farm outside Council Grove, Kan., on June 23, 1934. He came home from a year and a half at Merry Haven Medical Center in Snohomish, Wash., to spend his final few days in peace with his family.
His parents, Benjamin Earl and Edna (Cress) Hudson preceded him in death.
He is survived by his young lady and wife of 42 years, Carol Nadine (Cochran); sons, Leland Duane Jr. (wife, Deanna), Mark Paul (partner, Jean), and Peter Scott (wife, Jennifer); his brothers, Walter Doyle, Darrell Dean and Kent Eugene; his sister, Wanda Joan; and his granddaughter, Claire Elise.
Duane grew up in Wilsey, Kan., until his family moved to Dryden, Wash., in 1947. Shortly thereafter, his family permanently moved to Everett, Wash. He graduated from Everett High School in 1952. He served in the Army from 1958 to 1963, spending most of his time in Rome, Italy. Duane worked for Western Fruit Express as a refrigeration railroad car mechanic for more than ten years. After that he was a roof truss builder for several construction companies, including St. Regis, Champion, and Olympic Truss. He retired from Apex Wood Products in 1996.
After marrying Carol on Aug. 28, 1965, in Vancouver, Wash., the couple bought property and proudly built a home east of Everett near Machias. There they raised their sons and lived for 36 years before selling their home to a close family friend and moving to a new home in Marysville that allowed them to live more independently.
Duane will be remembered for his love and devotion to his family, his joy of participating in and watching sports (especially golf and waterskiing), his competitive nature, being a coach and Cub Scout leader for his sons, his ability to say Hi to anyone and shake their hand, and for spending hours working in the yard battling moles and weeds.
Viewing will be from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 5, 2007, at Purdy & Walters with Cassidy Funeral Home, 1702 Pacific Ave, Everett. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, 1615 SE Everett Mall Way, Everett. A memorial service will follow at 2:30 p.m., at Machias Community Church, 1615 Virginia, Snohomish.