RIP Duane Sitflyer

[Prester John]

I’m terribly sad to have to inform everyone that our friend, and longstanding Porch regular, Duane @sitflyer , has passed away, after being seriously ill for several months. Duane let me know of his critical condition in August, and we have been in very regular contact since then, until he became too ill to post a couple of weeks back. His wife informed me yesterday, that he had passed away peacefully, the previous night.

Duane started posting on The Porch in 2011, and he later told me that I was his first friend here. He was an interesting guy, who had lived a life of adventure, including scuba-diving, skydiving, motorcycle camping, and serving his country. Despite the months of illness, he remained incredibly positive to the end, and was still posting here until a few weeks ago. I will treasure all the PMs we exchanged.

Many years ago, I posted a thread about refurbishing an old Frost's of Mora knife, which had been badly stored. It had a laminated steel blade, and became a special knife for me. I decided to give it away though, Duane being the recipient. He always said it was the sharpest knife he owned, and the one he'd take with him across the river.

Around the same time, Duane sent me a package containing another special knife, which he'd made from the tip of the Victorinox Chef's Knife, he'd used aboard ships, all over the world. I have always treasured it, and will continue to do so.

Duane and I were the same height, (and born the same year), but I would tease him about his huge mitts, which sometimes made the knives in his photos look tiny. I take an XL or XXL glove myself, but Duane's were bigger. When he took an interest in Lambsfoot knives, I had to send him a 'Big 'Un', and he really took to it, carrying it constantly in his final months.

After having a bunch of medical tests in the summer, it appeared that Duane would not be long for this world, but he remained incredibly positive, and was still cracking jokes, both on and off The Porch. "Buy the ticket, take the ride."

I know that many of us will miss Duane, he had a lot of friends here. My deepest condolences, of course, to his wife, at this incredibly difficult time.

If Andi Humppa should happen to come across this, Duane told me how much he had treasured their friendship, and that he thought of him often.

RIP Duane

In for a penny, in for a pound

A fine tribute, Jack. May he rest in peace.

 

[paulhilborn]

Aw man, such sad news, Duane was a heck of a nice guy, we chatted over the years. He sent me a "Paul" knife and one I'll always treasure. I didn't know he was sick. Thank you J Jack for this update of a brother lost. I will miss him

 

[kamagong]

RIP Duane. You will be missed.

 

[Misplaced Hillbilly]

Like many I didn't know Duane apart from casual comments on posts and such. But for any of us thats been around for a bit knows he was a strong fixture here. His enthusiasm and knowledge will be missed. Condolences to his family and close friends, Jack Black you have honored our friend well.

 

[Peregrin]

I’m terribly sad to have to inform everyone that our friend, and longstanding Porch regular, Duane @sitflyer , has passed away, after being seriously ill for several months. Duane let me know of his critical condition in August, and we have been in very regular contact since then, until he became too ill to post a couple of weeks back. His wife informed me yesterday, that he had passed away peacefully, the previous night.

Duane started posting on The Porch in 2011, and he later told me that I was his first friend here. He was an interesting guy, who had lived a life of adventure, including scuba-diving, skydiving, motorcycle camping, and serving his country. Despite the months of illness, he remained incredibly positive to the end, and was still posting here until a few weeks ago. I will treasure all the PMs we exchanged.

Many years ago, I posted a thread about refurbishing an old Frost's of Mora knife, which had been badly stored. It had a laminated steel blade, and became a special knife for me. I decided to give it away though, Duane being the recipient. He always said it was the sharpest knife he owned, and the one he'd take with him across the river.

Around the same time, Duane sent me a package containing another special knife, which he'd made from the tip of the Victorinox Chef's Knife, he'd used aboard ships, all over the world. I have always treasured it, and will continue to do so.

Duane and I were the same height, (and born the same year), but I would tease him about his huge mitts, which sometimes made the knives in his photos look tiny. I take an XL or XXL glove myself, but Duane's were bigger. When he took an interest in Lambsfoot knives, I had to send him a 'Big 'Un', and he really took to it, carrying it constantly in his final months.

After having a bunch of medical tests in the summer, it appeared that Duane would not be long for this world, but he remained incredibly positive, and was still cracking jokes, both on and off The Porch. "Buy the ticket, take the ride."

I know that many of us will miss Duane, he had a lot of friends here. My deepest condolences, of course, to his wife, at this incredibly difficult time.

If Andi Humppa should happen to come across this, Duane told me how much he had treasured their friendship, and that he thought of him often.

RIP Duane

In for a penny, in for a pound

RIP Duane. Very sad to hear this. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Thanks for letting us know, Jack.

 

[Modoc ED]

RIP Duane. You were a good friend. I'll miss you.

 

[dantzk8]

A gentleman has left us. RIP Duane.

Dan.

 

[cigarrodog]

Rest easy Duane. Your presence will be missed, but your memory will remain. My condolences to his family and friends,

 

[redsparrow]

Alert; The following is "A prayer for Duane's family and friends".
If this sort of thing is bothersome for you please ignore this post and look to the next.



After reading the following you may like to signify your agreement with it, by simply saying, "Amen" (so be it) for God knows your heart.

Father God, you are a wonderful provider and protector.
Recently our friend Duane/Sitflyer passed from this world to another, so I ask of you as our provider and protector, three things;
Comfort by Your Spirit throughout this time of difficulty for all those who mourn. Continue to remind them of the precious memories they have of Duane until the sense of loss is eased. Please surround Duane's loved ones with godly people who can bring uplifting support and encouragement to those in need.
Fill all with Hope (true assurance) that their future can still be bright.
Help people to recognize their own mortality and what Jesus Christ has done about that mortality, for everyone who believes, by offering his gift of eternal life.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen

 

[euroken]

RIP Duane...

 

[Wharn]

So sorry to hear this, RIP Duane. He will be missed.

 

[Dadpool]

Thank you for sharing this, Jack. That was a moving and illuminating eulogy, and it can't have been easy to write. My condolences to you -- and to everyone who knew Duane.

I only knew him as a lovely member here, and I always appreciated his posts and his energy.

 

[Angry Waiter]

RIP. My condolences to friends and family. Sad day.

 

[btb01]

I’m sorry to hear this sad news, but thank you for sharing it with us, Jack. I'm glad Duane had some close friends here he kept in touch with up to the end. He had signed up to host Merle when that thread was first started, and reached out to me in August to let me know of his illness and to opt out of hosting. He made it clear that he didn't have much time left, and while I, of course, offered what kind words I could, I didn't know Duane all that well beyond the usual forum back and forth, and didn't feel like it was my place to follow up after that. I was glad to see him still posting and enjoying himself here, and he certainly seemed to maintain a positive attitude. Just a quick look at some of his last posts show a kind, gracious and empathetic person. He will be missed.

 

[Matt_WY]

Thanks for sharing Jack. Condolences to Duane’s family and friends.

 

[waverave]

Thank you for sharing. I didn't know him well but my heart goes out to his family and friends. The Porch lost a good one! RIP Duane.

 

[Tyson A Wright]

My condolences to those who knew Duane. I only knew him through posts here on The Porch; the comments from those who knew him better make me wish that I had known him better, too. We are all, to one degree or another, poorer today with his passing.

 

[rockman0]

Condolences to Duane's family and friends. May you rest in peace Duane.

 

[GeofS]

Rest in peace. My condolences to his friends and family.

 

[Pàdruig]

This is sore news indeed, it always hurts to learn of a fellow Porch inhabitant's passing. I will surely miss Duane - I thank you for sharing, Jack. He wasn't an overly verbose fella but I always took note when he would post and I enjoyed our exchanges over the years.

When I was rounding out my 97 collection, he send me this knife and wouldn't take a dime for it. I think I will slip it in the pocket today and remember him fondly. Rest in peace, Duane, my thoughts and condolences to your loved ones.