Duane Francis Laviolette

1923 - 2016

Duane Francis Laviolette

Born February 23, 1923, at Seattle, WA; he died February 5, 2016, in Sunnyside, WA. When he arrived at the Pearly Gates, he paused and sat on a garden bench until he was joined a day later by Barbara Gene, his beloved wife of fifty-six years.

Duane grew up in Seattle matriculating through the public schools. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and the University of Washington where he majored in a pre-medical curriculum.

He is a veteran of World War II. He served honorably as an officer and Army field medic in France.

Duane returned to Seattle to teach chemistry and math at almost every Seattle public high school. He then worked as a research technologist at the University of Washington Medical School.

The mountains and waters of Washington were Duane's summer and winter playgrounds; he summited all major mountain peaks of Washington several times during the summers and skied their slopes and trails in the winters. He also explored the corners of Puget Sound and inland passages of British Columbia while kayaking, yachting, and sailing. It was on a kayak adventure that he met the love of his life Barbara Gene Skiles. They were married December 26, 1960, in Seattle.

Duane and Barbara belonged to the Mountaineers and the Cascadians. Duane was delighted to have played roles in the Mountaineers' production of "Annie Get Your Gun" and "Green Pastures". They were members of Sand Point Community United Methodist Church where Duane served as Chairman of Trustees, major domo of maintenance, and organist; he was especially proud to have organized a childrens' choir. He and Barbara Gene served their church in many capacities of stewardship.

Duane and Barbara Gene lived at their home in the View Ridge district for over fifty years. They loved their neighbors and especially loved being involved in helping the neighbors raise their children. Duane was Treasurer of the View Ridge Community Council for twenty-three years. He organized a "neighborhood block watch" and served as Captain.

Duane will be remembered as a loving husband, a dedicated outdoorsman, a true friend, and a good neighbor.

Barbara Gene Skiles Laviolette

Born December 3, 1921, in Sunnyside,

WA, she died February 6, 2016, in Sunnyside, WA.

Barbara Gene grew up in Sunnyside, WA., matriculating through the public schools and graduating from Sunnyside High School. She then went to Washington State College for a two-year business course.

Barbara's graduation gift from her parents was a trip to Hawaii; she stayed two years and studied the fine traditional arts of those islands - playing the ukulele, singing and dancing the beautiful music of Hawaii.

When she returned stateside, she worked at the University of Washington for the Department of Oceanography. She loved her work and her associates; she especially enjoyed summer research at Friday Harbor.

She met the love of her life, Duane LaViolette, while on a kayaking trip which circumnavigated Vancouver Island and parts of the inland passage of British Columbia. Barbara participated and enjoyed all "LaViolette outdoor summer & winter adventures".

Barbara served many organizations as a secretary and loyal member. She was a member of Chapter FD, PEO. She loved fine arts and beautiful music.....always remaining especially fond of the music of Hawaii. She was an eclectic collector and could find appropriate decorations for every occasion.

Barbara Gene will be remembered as a loving wife, a genuine person, a good and loyal friend, and a good neighbor.

Barbara Gene & Duane were friends to all and generous with their time, talent and treasure. They held hands and walked together through the Pearly Gates to their reward in Heaven.

They are survived by a sister, sister-in law, nephews, nieces, cousins, and a host of loving friends.