Duane E. Phillips
April 8, 1962 - November 3, 2022
Duane E. Phillips, beloved brother, son, uncle and friend, unexpectedly passed away on November 3, 2022 in San Francisco, California. He is survived by his sisters Crystal Phillips and Karen Waukazoo, his father Martin Waukazoo, nieces Jayde Rawson (John Rawson), Kayla Rias, Sequoya Nakai, grandnieces, Aiyana, Samira, Harlow and grandnephew, Luke, and myriad beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, as well as countless friends he considered family. Duane was predeceased by his cherished mother, Helen Devore Waukazoo.
Duane was born on April 8, 1962, in San Francisco and was a lifelong resident of the Bay Area. After graduating from Alameda High School, Duane began his career at Bank of America and First Republic Bank, where he forged lifelong friendships and took meticulous care of his clients and friends. Duane was truly one of a kind. His friends and family knew him as witty, brilliant, kind, generous, fiercely protective of those he loved, with a tireless work ethic and an unfailing sense of fashion - researching and approving most of the family's prom and wedding dresses. He was always ahead of trends - movies, music, politics, musicals, and restaurants. He held a special place in his heart for Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Prince, and the San Francisco Giants. He loved to travel, with his favorite city being Paris. He looked forward to an annual Christmas Disneyland trip with his family and spent his 60th birthday there. He encouraged his friends and family to travel whenever possible, and he recently enjoyed traveling to visit family in New Mexico and Arizona.
He loved the arts, regularly attending the opera and ballet as well as many Broadway musicals and concerts. He was also generous to the organizations he supported including Habitat for Humanity, his mother's organization, the Friendship House Association of American Indians in San Francisco, Salvation Army, and De Marillac Academy, among many others.
Duane has always had many dear friends who he would speak of lovingly. Many were his chosen family and he truly treasured each and every one of them. He would often say that life had far exceeded his expectations and his family takes comfort that he has been reunited with our mother, whom he dearly missed.
A funeral service is scheduled to take place at St. Agnes Catholic Church, in San Francisco on Thursday November 17, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the Phillips & Waukazoo family would appreciate donations to charity in Duane's honor, some of his favorites included the Merola Opera Program, Habitat for Humanity, The National AIDS Memorial, and Friendship House.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Nov. 13, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Duane Phillips

8 Entries

Arthur Wong

March 11, 2025

My deepest condolences to the Phillips family. Karen & I briefly worked together at Southwestern Bell Corporation. Stay strong.

Crystal Phillips

Planted Trees

Catherine Sullivan

November 7, 2023

I have so many wonderful memories of my time with Duane. Not only in relation to First Republic and how he always took such great care of me but also our personal friendship. We had so many fun lunches in San Francisco and so many wonderful times in Paris after I move there in 1999. No one was sweeter kinder and more fun than Duane and I always cherish our times together. He will always be remembered and forever missed. Catherine Sullivan

Phillip Kilbridge

November 17, 2022

I first met Duane in 2005 when he was helping to lead the family selection committee at Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco. He was compassionate, thoughtful and energetic. Not only did he organize a group of volunteers to analyze the financial submittals, he would visit and interview families who would ultimately become homeowners. He organized his bank to help finance 0% interest mortgages. He served brilliantly on the Board of Directors for six years. He was always incredibly kind, but he could also be direct in expressing his core values and their impact on our work. He had a clear vision for society and worked every day to edge our society ever closer. And, he was just super funny!

Rob Howard

November 16, 2022

Duane will be dearly missed by his Habitat for Humanity family. He served in many ways but I remember his efforts while a board member best. His passion for the mission, his easy laugh and his strategic vision for the organization all rang true. He always kept the focus on the families being served and he served a ton of families. It's an amazing, tangible and intangible legacy he leaves behind.

Priscilla Thomas Tom

November 16, 2022

My dearest cousin, how you will be missed! We loved you, we were so happy to see you, and your visits. We were just beginning to get to know you, the plans we were making to visit more often. Mom is so heartbroken, mourns you, as we do. Rest In Peace dear Duane. Love you eternally, will miss you, your memories will forever be in our hearts.

catherine sullivan

November 14, 2022

I made a donation in honor of Duane to Habitat for Humanity, which is great as we both loved that charity. Please check and make sure it was received in honor of him. Thank you, Catherine Sullivan

Catherine Sullivan

November 14, 2022

I can't tell you how sad I am at the loss of this amazing man. I met him through First Republic at least 35 years ago as he was gifted to my late husband and I to get out first mortgage. He was great at his job but so friendly and charming, we quickly moved from a professional friendship to a warm personal one. When I was still living in San Franisco, in the 80s and 90s, we had so many lunches, so many dinners, so many fun times and funny conversations. In 1996, when my husband Jack died unexpectedly, no one was kinder and more supportive to me than Duane. In 1999, when I moved to Paris for ten years, Duane always kept in touch and came over to Paris for such fun visits. More lunches, more dinners, more great memories. We have kept in touch over so many years and he helped and supported me on so many levels both personally and professionally. I cannot believe we have lost him and I will grieve his loss forever. I wish I could be at his service but please know I will be there in spirit and I will celebrate his life for the rest of mine. Please know also that I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers and you have my deepest and most heart-felt sympathies. I truly loved that guy and I will miss him forever.
xxoo Catherine Sullivan

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