DUANE SCOTT ELLIFRITT Sr.
DUANE SCOTT ELLIFRITT Sr.
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DUANE ELLIFRITT Obituary
DUANE SCOTT
Duane Scott Ellifritt, Sr., died peacefully among family and friends on January 22, 2018.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Joyce Marie Ellifritt (nee Arnold), his children Bonnie (d. 2017), Gem (Pai), Julia, Scott (Atchara), and grandchildren Ahmad, Lian, Claire, Nate, Victor, and Ploy. Duane was born on February 12, 1935 to Victor and Gussie Ellifritt, in Greenwood, West Virginia.
Dr. Ellifritt was a Professor Emeritus in the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Florida. He had 19 years of experience in the steel industry, and 24 years in teaching and research with emphasis on steel structures and connections.
He was an internationally recognized expert in the design of steel buildings and lectured on related subjects in Singapore, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Turkey, Sweden and Italy. His teaching activities include Oklahoma State University, the University of Florida and the University of Western Australia. In the fall of 1988, he filled a Distinguished Professor chair at the University of Wyoming.
He was a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Florida, a life member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a life member of the Structural Stability Research Council, a member of the American Institute of Steel Construction Specification Committee, and also served on the American Iron and Steel Institute Cold-Formed Steel Specification Committee. He is the author of many papers on steel research and design and has co-authored a textbook on Cold-formed Steel Design. He retired from the University of Florida in 2000. He was inducted into the West Virginia Academy of Civil Engineers in 2005, and into the Metal Construction Hall of Fame in 2013.
When not teaching, Duane enjoyed traveling, painting, watching Gator sports, and spending time with friends and family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the United Church of Gainesville's Speakers Fund, 1624 NW 5th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32603.
Funeral services will be held at the Gainesville Hilton Hotel, 1714 SW 34th Street, on Sunday, February 4, 2018 at 3pm. Family and friends are welcome to come participate in a celebration of Duane's life, and enjoy a reception afterwards. Please visit his memorial page at www.williamsthomasfuneralhome.com.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
WILLIAMS-THOMAS
DOWNTOWN
352-376-7556
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 10, 2018
My deepest sympathy Zip (Don Zipperian)
Warren and Lydia Cox
February 4, 2018
Dear Joyce and family,
We are saddened about the loss of such a noble, talented, kind and gentle man. So many lives have been touched in various ways by Duane just as he left an imprint on Warren's heart and my heart.
Our prayers will continue for the Ellifritt Family. May you be blessed by God during this difficult time.
Zina Johns
February 4, 2018
Mrs. Ellifrit, I am so very sorry to hear of your husbands passing. Please know I will be sending prayers up for you.
Ann Ramsden
February 3, 2018
My condolences. Duane was such a kind man. We were members of the Artisan's Guild at the same time. I bought a painting of his that made me smile every time I saw it so I just had to take it home with me.
With Love,
Ann Ramsden
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Roger and Saralene Seals
January 30, 2018
We were saddened to learn of Duane's passing and send our sincerest sympathy to your family. Duane was special in many ways and it was our pleasure and privilege to have known him as a friend and colleague. Not only his fine family but his students will be his lasting legacy. We always enjoyed our visits with Duane, sharing stories and seeing his latest art work. Our thoughts are with your family in this time of sadness.
Paul and Gayle Thompson
January 28, 2018
Joyce and family: Gayle and I were so sad to hear about Duane. Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you. Duane was a dear friend, and coworker for some 14 years. Duane was so talented in so many ways.....artist, teacher, mentor, and a giant in his field. Duane's accomplishments in these and other areas are well documented! BUT Duane's most important and enduring quality was being a TRUE GENTLEMAN, a person that I held in the highest esteem and relied on for for his wisdom. I never once heard Duane utter a foul word or say anything derogatory about anyone, and I never saw him in a bad mood or angry! Duane's STEEL TEACHING SCULPTURE is an enduring legacy, a mastery in visual teaching, and is on the campuses of many, many universities around the Globe. Gayle and I always looked forward to Duane's art on your Christmas cards, and seeing his other artwork in his studio in your home. I am so proud and pleased to have one of Duane's paintings in my office. MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU IN THESE SAD TIMES! Paul & Gayle
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404 North Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601
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