Duane L. Smoot

Duane L. Smoot, 78 ALFRED -- Duane L. Smoot, 78, beloved resident of Alfred, died peacefully at home in his sleep on July 3, 2008. He was born in Moline, Ill., on Feb. 20, 1930, the son of Aaron D. and Stella Matilda (Harrison) Smoot. He was raised from the age of 6 months by a great-aunt and uncle on a farm in La Plata, Mo., where he attended elementary school and subsequently graduated from La Plata High School. Following several years at the University of Missouri, he taught for a year in a one room school house. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1956 as a Chaplain's Assistant, Duane returned to La Plata, where he cared for his great aunt and uncle until their deaths. Duane then headed for Boston, fell in love with the city and New England, and aside from the occasional high school reunion, never looked back. He first found employment as a night clerk at the Hotel Vendome and later in the print shop of the New England Conservatory. At a chamber music recital in 1962, he met his great love, John Morningstar, who became his life and business partner for the next 43 years, a relationship that ended only with John's death in 2005. Duane and John moved to Alfred in 1971, when they purchased a large old house known as the Beehive for its many rooms and opened an antiques business that they operated for several years. This phased into specializing in rebuilding old-fashioned reed organs - an occupation that continued through the next 33 years - garnering a reputation throughout New England, and indeed, nationally, for their competence, skill and integrity. The Beehive Reed Organ Service was based at their home in Alfred, a work in progress which they worked diligently to restore. Duane and John shared many interests and skills. They loved gardening, hiking in the White Mountains, spending time with friends and neighbors, and pursuing their musical interests, which were wide-ranging. Possessors of resonant baritone voices, they sang with a number of choral organizations over the years including the Cecilia Society, The Sanford-Springvale Chorus, SeaGlass, Tri-City Chorus, The York Singers and The Gay Men's Chorus, as well as recitals at local venues. Duane also played the organ for Alfred Parish Church, Limerick U.C.C. and West Newfield Congregational Church. A devoted churchman, he served at St. George's Episcopal Church in Sanford at various times as Senior Warden, Vestryman, Chalice Bearer, choir member and organist. He was a Trustee of The Elder Grey Meeting House-Cemetery Association and played the organ at their annual Pilgrimage Service. Duane was very active in the Alfred community, serving as an election worker and ballot counter and as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Alfred Festival Committee and the Alfred Historical Society. Duane loved to read and frequented the Parsons Memorial Library. He loved 19th century houses, 16th century Masses, art museums, live theatre, Masterpiece Theatre, Gone with the Wind and chocolate. Duane is survived by his sister, Dorene McNew; his aunt Pauline Schiller; two nieces, one nephew; six half brothers, two half sisters and a host of friends and neighbors who will miss him greatly. A memorial service will be held on July 12, 2008, at 11 a.m. at St. George's Episcopal Church, corner of Main and Emerson Streets in Sanford with the Rev. Susan Murphy and the Rev. Linton Studdiford, celebrants. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.autumngreenfuneralhome.com. Autumn Green Funeral Home, 47 Oak St., Alfred, is respectfully handling arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to: St. George's Episcopal Church 3 Emerson St. Sanford, Maine 04073 or to The Alfred Parish Church P.O. Box 147 Alfred, Maine 04002 Duane L. Smoot