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Duane R Hamamura

1953 - 2011

Duane R Hamamura

1953 - 2011

Obituary

Guest Book

BORN

1953

DIED

2011

Duane Hamamura Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 1, 2011.

Duane Rikio Hamamura
1953-2011

Duane, devoted son, beloved brother and friend, passed away suddenly at the age of 57 on Saturday, January 29th. He was born July 30th, 1953 in Auburn, Washington to Minoru and Ritsuko Hamamura.

He grew up working and playing on a strawberry farm beside the Green River. He attended Auburn schools with perfect attendance for 12 years. He went on to graduate from Green River Community College. Duane's intense interest in photography and journalism was sparked there by instructor Ed Eaton, whom he admired greatly. He was lucky to be able to combine his two passions of sports (especially horseracing) and photography into a long career as a media and freelance photographer.

After school, Duane went right to work for the Auburn Globe News and Valley newspapers, and most recently for the Seattle P-I. He was known as a man of few words. As an award-winning photographer, he allowed his beautiful photographs to capture and express wordless stories of action, drama, emotion, or reflection that touched the heart and delighted the eye.

Duane was preceded in death by father Minoru Hamamura. He will be dearly missed by mother Ritsuko Hamamura, sister Sharon Harris (husband David), sister Joyce Hamamura (partner Susan Davis), niece Shannon Harris, nephew Cory Harris, grandniece Hailey Harris, and many uncles, aunts, and cousins. Duane was fortunate to have many caring friends and colleagues in the horseracing industry, the media and community.

A service for family and friends will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, February 5th, at White River Buddhist Temple, 3625 Auburn Way North in Auburn, Washington.

In addition, a celebration of Duane's life will be held at the Emerald Downs WTBOA Breeders Pavilion during the coming racing season and also a special race will be named in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to the
Prodigious Fund for Retired Racehorses
c/o Emerald Downs, PO Box 617, Auburn, Washington 98071, or the charity of your choice.

Please visit www.priceheltonfuneralhome.com for an online guestbook.

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

Sign Duane Hamamura's Guest Book

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Recent Activity

February 6, 2011

Theresa Zimmerman posted to the memorial.

February 4, 2011

Calvin Karbowski posted to the memorial.

February 3, 2011

Someone posted to the memorial.

8 Entries

Theresa Zimmerman

February 6, 2011

Yes, a Duane Hamamura sports photo is among our family treasures, as is the memory of the man who documented public life in Renton with such fine perception. Seeing him about, camera laden, always gave a bit more import to any event. His mild manner will be missed.

Calvin Karbowski

February 4, 2011

I worked with Duane at Valley Daily News. Duane was a great listener. Many times I'd be having a conversation at the sports desk, and then realize that Duane had been standing just within earshot for who knows how long, taking it all in. We lovingly called him the shadow. His talent was obvious. Less obvious but just as developed was his sense of humor. Duane was a very funny guy.

February 3, 2011

Duane was a quiet person who always greated me with a smile. Sometimes waiting for me to speak first but always followed with his smile and a hello. I will miss seeing him around Emerald Downs. My wife, Darlene Heskett, went to school in Auburn with his sister. Duane will be missed by many.
John W. Procter, DVM

Rick Ford

February 3, 2011

Duane,not only was a good friend,but a great golfing buddy.His constant searching for lost golfballs will be missed, as well as his sense of humor on errant shots.I'll miss his cameo photos on the golf course and down at Emerald Downs. Duane, you will be missed. Rick Ford

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Mary Swift

February 3, 2011

His work was incredible but his greatest contribution was that he made us better people for having known him. That's a rare gift.

February 3, 2011

Duane was one of great students I had in 32 years of teaching at Green River Community College. I worked with him when I worked summers at the Valley Daily News. His timing as a photographer was perfect. He got pictures other photographers, including me, missed completely. He was very helpful to other students and was always willing to share his experience with other photographers. I will miss him. == Ed Eaton, Auburn

Fern Valentine

February 3, 2011

Duane's big smile and quiet sense of humor are almost as memorable as his fantastic photos. I agree that they are his legacy and we were all lucky to have known him.
Fern Valentine (Auburn

Jan Bernasconi

February 2, 2011

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Duane was a quiet but talented man. He left you many fantastic photos as his legacy.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Funeral Services Provided By

Price-Helton Funeral Home

731 W Main St, Auburn, WA 98001