Gary Duke Obituary

I was blessed to have been a classmate of Gray's in high school. What a good all around friend he was.


How I would have loved to work beside him in all his endevers (except the runnung).


My paryers to you and yours.


Harold Ziehr

Dear Maryann, Rebecca, and Lisa

We have wonderful memories of Gary going back to our first days as neighbors in the early 70s. How unique it was to have friends with owls in their kitchen! Gary was a kind, humble person and his demonstrated expertise and enthusiasm for his profession were uplifting qualities that touched our lives. May our Lord bless and comfort you. Jan and Dennis Moors

Dear Duke Family,

I was saddened to hear of your loss. Your family is in my family's thoughts and prayers.

Dear Mayann and family-

I am sorry to hear of Gary's death. May your memories and your God give you comfort.

To all the Duke Family: Fond memories of a wonderful man, who accomplished much and mentored so many. I enjoyed five years at the University of Minnesota working with Gary on digestion in turkeys, hawks, and owls, and will remember many unique experiences that were opened to me because of him. Blessings to all of you.

In 1982, I was in the second year of a nebulous return to higher education, when a work-study job search sent me to the second floor of the Vet-Med building on the St. Paul campus. There, Dr. Duke asked me what my interests were ("i think horticulture,"), told me what the job entailed (cleaning and feeding birds with sharp talons), then offered me a position as a raptor technician. I was there for nearly 4 years.



As I progressed through undergrad, then later, grad school, I sometimes ran into Dr. Duke on campus. As he always had, he encouraged me to do what I loved to do.



I knew then, and I know it now that were it not for him opening a door for me in 1982, I never would have begun my owl research.



I had no idea he was sick. I had no idea he had passed until this afternoon. Now, I feel a sense of loss for a man who truly, in every sense of the word, was one of the kindest people I have ever met. Thank you Dr. Duke for changing my life.



My thoughts and prayers are with your family.



Bill Lane

Dear Maryann and family,



We were shocked and saddened by Gary's passing. He was a very special person and we were all the better for knowing him. We hope that God will surround you with his love and provide you with the support you need. Letter to follow

Love,

Dear Becky,



I am so sorry to hear about your father's death. I will be thinking of you and your family and wishing you peace during this time of loss.



In sympathy,

Dearest Maryann, Becky and Lisa

Here in South Africa, I think of Gary every day. Just this morning on the way in to work I was remembering conversations with him about elephant digestion! He was hugely positive, and to me he represents the finest things in people. Warmth, humour, integrity, and intellectual excitement. I am thinking of you all. Love, SueJ

Becky, Lisa, and Maryann-



I am so sorry to hear of Gary's death. You've written an amazing tribute here, and still there is no way to convey the man he was. You are in my thoughts and prayers!

As a sophomore at the Univ. of Minn. in 1966, I worked as a typist in the Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology. Dr. Duke was so patient and kind - a wonderful boss. I'm pleased to learn that he has had such an interesting and adventurous life these past 40 years. My condolences to the family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dear Marayann,



I know this last journey for Gary has been most difficult for both he and you. You have shown great strengh and courage. You have my sincere sympathy.

Dear Lisa - I am sorry to hear about your dad's death. Angie and I will say a prayer of hope for you and your family.

Gary touched the lives of so many people and it is a pity that his important social and intellectual contributions were tragically interrupted by Alzheimer's disease. We will always hold him fondly in our memories.



In deepest sympathy-



David Brown and Laura Mauro

Dear Becky - I am saddened to learn of your father's death. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Deb (Beran) Brown

"THE LORDS BLESSINGS"

FROM ALTA AND EV EVANSON

We are so saddened to hear of Gary's death. Our prayers are with you.