| NOVEMBER 6, 2011 -- Duane had 3 passions in his life, besides his family, of course, (and that could take volumes) along with being an electrician.
HIS CHURCH where he was a Sunday School teacher, Superintendent of the Sunday School, a Deacon, a Trustee, a member of the Choir and the one who kept the light bulbs burning in the chandelier.
HIS FIRE CO. where he lived next door for over 55 years with Frank Warner on the other side, was Captain, marched in the Memorial Day parades, drove the antique fire truck with his dad and was the first to respond to hundreds of calls to keep the citizens of Hamden safe. He was also a Fire Commissioner for the Town of Hamden.
HIS GRANGE where he had a love and command of the Ritual unsurpassed by many, where being able to call all the members of the Grange his brothers and sisters was an honor (even though he had 9 of his own), an infectious smile, a quick story and a way of getting you to say “I’D BE DELIGHTED” while you were being volunteered. He held many offices in his Subordinate, Pomona and State Grange with being CT State Master his greatest accomplishment. He helped to build “Boys Cabin #6” at Camp Berger along with Frank Warner and others, was coach of the New Haven County Degree Team and then Drill Team along with Frank Warner and Carlton Platt where being “on your left” was the only right and installed thousands of Grange officers across the state.
So, whether you called him Duane, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Brother Wetmore, “Coach” or “Daddy Duane” he will be missed.
God looked around His Garden
And found an empty place
He then looked down upon this Earth
And saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you
And lifted you to rest
God’s Garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.
With Love your Daughter,
Pat Wetmore Palmer |
