Duane Oliphant

Duane L. Oliphant, 77, died in his sleep May 30, 2010, at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage due to complications related to diabetes and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

A short service, with 21-gun salute, was held on June 7 at Fort Richardson, where he was buried.

Duane was born June 17, 1932, in Seattle, Wash., to Duane M. Oliphant and Gertrude F. Oliphant. The family moved to Fairbanks in 1934. He spent his formative years in both Fairbanks and Anchorage, eventually graduating from Anchorage High School in 1953.

Duane was honorably discharged as a sergeant from the U.S. Army in 1955 after a full tour during which he received military honors of Expert Infantry, Expert Rifle and Good Conduct.

Duane married Anne M. Gillman in 1961 in Fairbanks. They eventually moved to Kenai, then settled in Anchorage in 1969.

Duane worked for Wien Alaska Airlines from 1955 to 1968, and for the Kenai Peninsula School District from 1968 to 1969. He finally retired in 1991 after 22 years as a purchasing agent for the Anchorage School District.

Duane was very active in the Alaska Jaycees, the Alaska Association of School Business Officials and the Friends of the Library in both Fairbanks and Anchorage.

Duane is survived by his son, Matthew L. Oliphant, daughter-in-Law, Claire G. Oliphant and granddaughter, Sagan A.K. Oliphant of Framingham, Mass.; brothers, Howard Inks of Sumner, Wash., and Perry Inks of Seattle; sisters, Juanita Gambrell of Snyder, Texas, Sandy Stroble of Seattle and Vicki Learned of Seattle.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne Oliphant, in 2007; and by his brother, Norman.