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Kevin Duckworth
Kevin Duckworth
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Kevin Duckworth Obituary
Obituary
LINCOLN CITY, Ore. (AP) – Former Portland Trail Blazers center Kevin Duckworth died while on a trip to the Oregon Coast to host a free basketball clinic. He was 44.
The Lincoln County sheriff's office confirmed the death. He died Monday.
The 7-foot Duckworth averaged 11.8 points and 5.8 rebounds over 11 seasons in the NBA, helping Portland reach the NBA finals in 1990 and 1992. The two-time All-Star also played for San Antonio, Washington, Milwaukee and the Los Angeles Clippers.
"Kevin will be remembered by fans as one of the most popular and recognizable players to ever wear the Blazers uniform, but to people who knew him, he'll be remembered as one of the warmest and biggest-hearted," Trail Blazers president Larry Miller said.
The Blazers said he was representing the team on a 19-city tour of Oregon.
Duckworth grew up in the Chicago area and was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs out of Eastern Illinois University in 1986.
The Spurs traded him that season to the Trail Blazers, where he had his greatest success, playing with Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter, Buck Williams and Jerome Kersey on two Western Conference championship teams.
Duckworth remained in the Portland area after he retired in 1997, doing woodwork, fishing and hunting. He ran a construction company in Northern California for a time, and a restaurant venture in Vancouver, Wash., with former NBA player Kermit Washington went out of business.
The cause of death was to be determined by a medical examiner.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
60 Entries
Earnice Taylor
February 17, 2024
I remember when I first saw Kevin Duckworth I said to myself lord how mercy your so tall Kevin would joke around a lot miss you Kevin
Earnice Taylor
February 17, 2024
When I first saw Kevin duckworth was year of 1980 you will be missed so much
Ronald Johnson
March 14, 2023
Big Duck we miss you and the family. All you guys are together now. I was so proud to see you make it big fellow. When you made it we all made it. We went to the NBA Finals twice. We got to play the Bulls with MJ. It doesn't get any better than that. I heard John Edwards has passed also
We will meet again my brother, love you dearly and deeply ❤ Your brother Ronnie Johnson
DONNA yonce
February 8, 2022
I met Kevin in Fossil,Oregon . Watched him write his # on the ceiling of the Shamrock-flat footed of course! What a humble,polite awesome man he was . I once said to him "so you got to play w/Clyde huh ; he replied yes. I said wow that is awesome . He responded with:I played my entire career with him which was really awesome ." R.IP. Big guy . you will never be forgotten.
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Edward duckworth
December 14, 2020
Gg big cuz rip -_-
Zay Loko
December 14, 2020
GG big cuz
Lur Shamsud-Din
July 9, 2017
Kevin, I am thinking of you this morning. I miss going to Jeddy's man cave and seeing you in the custom chair made just for you and big enough that I could sit and "play snuggle" with you for a moment. You became like a brother in our family and we loved you just as much. When you left, I met Maxine. You were your Mom's twin! I fell in love, again! Maxine became a regular visitor and we added her and her cousin, Paulette and Francine and Steve and "Tanky" to the family. Our family and some friends traveled to Chicago when Maxine passed away to represent how much love you both left with us. We miss your huge smile! We miss you joking with us! We miss you and will remember you, Always!
Ethan Kimpel
March 2, 2017
"Kevin was a manly man who manned the paint and dominated the league.....you will forever be missed Kevin"
Renato Sotelo
April 2, 2016
Amazing player!! Rest in peace
masion pouliot
February 18, 2015
Rip kevin duckworth blazer legend.
Jayne Cooley
February 18, 2015
I thought of you tonight, Kevin, when I heard that Jerome passed away today. Once again, my heart is broken. You, Jerome Terry. Clyde, Buck, and Cliffy gave me some of the best times and memories of my life. Thank you. You are missed. Jerome will be missed. I can picture you two in a one one one game in heaven and it brings a little smile through my tears tonight.
Donald Johnson
May 25, 2014
My all time favorite player and person. Rip Kevin
Jill Sears
January 19, 2014
So sad to see you go. You will always hold a big place in my heart. We had some great times and made wonderful memories that I will cherish forever. R.I.P xoxoxo
May 14, 2012
Kevin was one of my favorite players. I remember watching him play for the trailblazers when I was a child. The blazers are still my favorite team. My heart is saddened to hear of this loss. (Angelique Talbert, OKC)
November 15, 2011
I only found out about Kevin's death this year when I was talking to my students about a young man who always gave his all and never gave less of himself. Each year from the time I had Kevin in my class I always used kevin as a role model for my students. I have a pleasure of having Kevin in my class 35yrs ago and yes he was a GENTLE GIANT even in middle school. Today, even after retirement I still hold Keven up as a role model to my grand -children.
It was a pleasure have Kevin and he inspired me.
kim B
February 2, 2010
kevin I remember you when I was kid you was so tall at the basketball courts,I just use to stare at you,however kevin you always spoke, harvey, Il is going to really miss you, but God love you best, we will see you again when when we get to where you are.
Barbara Ann King
January 27, 2010
To The Duckworth Family: I am so sorry he is no longer here with us, but do know that he is still here with us in spirit. I pray that you all will be comforted by these words:
Try to remember that a GOOD man never dies; You will see him many times.
You will feel him in all things that are here out of love, and for love.
The person of a man may leave or be taken away, but the best part of a GOOD man stays. It stays FOREVER!
Shayla
August 15, 2009
Kevin Duckworth,
Will be missed!
Our complete reliance on “the God of all comfort” who will help us to endure our grief & sadness. 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4
January 8, 2009
So shocking... RIP.
Blessings to your family and loved ones.
Bernadette Scott
October 18, 2008
To Kamela and family: I express comfort for your loss. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Tanya Palmer
October 8, 2008
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Duckworth family.
It was truly an honor to meet Kevin in Portland, 1987 after a game. You truly are a gentle giant. You were a great role model for youth and others. You led by example. Your former team member, Ron Murphy called to let me know you have passed. Kevin, we will miss you.
Patricia & Mother Kirklin
September 3, 2008
R.I.P. Kevin.
We loved you but God loved you more.......
Maxcine, Fran and the entire family will be in our prayers
diane smith
September 2, 2008
September2,08 So sorry for your lose Maxine and Fran. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
From your cousins in Phoenix, Illinois. WILLIE MAE SMITH
CATMAN,TINY,ANDREW,KELVIN,TYRONE,MARCUS,THURSTON,BRUCE,DIANE,ROCHELLE,and ALEX
EVELYN DUCKWORTH
August 30, 2008
REST IN PEACE MY COUSIN, "KEVIN DUCKWORTH", REST IN PEACE. GOD BLESS KEVIN'S FAMILY AND OUR PEAYERS ARE WITH YOU ! YOUR FAMILY from Louisville. Ky.
Evelyn Duckworth
August 30, 2008
To the Duckworth family, your family here in Louisville,Ky. would like to share in your grief. We have followed Kevin's career and a few of the other ball players also and cheered Kevin in every game. My Uncle intorduced us to Kevin by way of television. The same way we met the rest of the family ball players. We never got a chance to meet Kevin in person nor the rest of the family. May god bless you mother Duckworth and the rest of Kevin's family. Rest in peace my cousin. Please contact me Duckworth family so we can gather what family we have left and spend some time to get to know each other. 5027758800. God Bless You All.
GL
August 29, 2008
May the peace that passes all understanding be yours today.
May Jehovah give you, the family, divine favor. GL
Michelle Dowdy
August 29, 2008
My deppest sympathy goes out to the family members and friends of Kevin Duckworth. The death of a loved one can be very difficult to cope with. The Bible speaks of a time when there will be no more sickness suffering or death. It also gives us a hope of seeing our loved ones again. You are in my prayers.
Dianne
August 29, 2008
Kevin was my favorite Trailblazer.
Oh how wish I would have had the
opportunity to meet him. He was a
wonderful "team" player. I am certain
he was just as wonderful to his
immediate family. I do recall seeing
his mother at some of the games in
Portland. Known as the "Gentle Giant"
he will be forever remembered and
greatly missed. My sincere condolences to the immediate family and all the Blazer family.
Dianne (formerly of Portland)
D. ZIMMERMAN
August 28, 2008
REST IN PEACE KEVIN DUCKWORTH
Leon Darnell
August 28, 2008
I remeember watching Kevin Duckworth and the Portland Trailblazers against Detroit and Chicago. With him Portland was a good team. My prayers are with the Duckworth family.
William Daly
August 28, 2008
Goodbye for now,"Duck",and my heartfelt prayers go out to his family,friends,and all like myself who are saddened at the loss of this unique gentle giant,Double zero,the kids thank you,Nba thanks you,The world thanks you,And we thank and praise God for 44 years of a class act,Brother Kev,Go get your rest,for a job well done,I wish you a peaceful journey,"1 Luv,"00" 4 ever!!!
Amanda Ventura
August 28, 2008
We always love you
B. J. Melancon
August 28, 2008
May God be with you in time of bereavement. God makes no mistake, he only take the best of his servant.
Kevin Duckworth
Anna Spaulding
August 28, 2008
My condolences go out to Kevin's family!
Kevin was my husband's cousin.I always heard my husband talk about his big cousin being a super star.
He will continue to be a super star ,at home, in heaven!
God bless you!
Rest in Piece Kevin!
Amen
August 28, 2008
Please accept my heartelt sympathy for your loss. Know that this is a very challening time for your family. Trust that God knows what you are going through. At Psalm 55:22 we read that we can throw our burdens upon God because he will sustain us. You are in the prayers of many.
ann
August 27, 2008
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
carole doss
August 27, 2008
We so enjoyed watching you play ball Kevin. God rest your wonderful soul. Our sympathys to your family
Patsy Jo Reed Sircy R.N.
August 27, 2008
Sincere sympathy and love, A retired nurse, former bb player (5'2"), and hopeless fan, Pat
Tanya Page
August 27, 2008
To the family of Kevin Duckworth:
I enjoyed watching the Trailblazers on TV when Kevin played for them. I was a fan of the team as well. Even though I never met him, but he seemed like a very down-to-earth person. May God be with you all during this very difficult time.
August 27, 2008
God bless them faith keep them and hold them up in their time of need...
Jessica
August 27, 2008
To Maxine, Kevin's mother, and to Kevin's family: I met Kevin when he first moved to Oregon. We laughed at how he loved playing basketball and how easy it was compared to the other jobs he had. Ironically, we both had worked at Burger King in high school (different city and states). He had a good life and accomplished a great deal during his 44 years on earth. He loved the Oregon coast. It was sad to hear that he had passed on at such a young age, but this is a process that each of us here on earth must eventually go through. Rest in peace Kevin.
Billie Jean King
August 27, 2008
My prayers are with the family. I enjoyed watching Kevin along with his teamates of the "Portland Trailblazers". I remember him as being a gentle "giant". He will be missed, but never forgotten.
Jerome Goldsmith Sr.
August 27, 2008
THE STORMS OF LIFE
Tho the storms may come into your life..Gods love will see you through the toils and strife.
Tho the winds of doubt seems to hold you fast..God has given you assurance that this too shall pass.
Tho the storms may rise and the winds may blow.
If our faith is anchored in Jesus
Gods love will truly flow.
On this ship of life we are the rudder, but God is the one in control
To keep this boat afloat; we must turn over to him,our mind, body and soul.
So let the storms come whenever they may.
Let the breakers dash any time of the day!
Weeping may endure for the night.
But joy cometh in the morning "The Duckworth's" and everything will be allright.
Jerome Goldsmith Sr.
"The Poet"
To The family,stay stay strong, and continue to trust in God.
Let his memory be an inspiration to you, over the roads that you trod.
[email protected]
DORIS S.
August 27, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Alishia L.
August 27, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Auntie Tee & Uncle Butch ROBINSON
August 27, 2008
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Kevin Logue
August 27, 2008
My condolences to the Duckworth family. I enjoyed watching him play at Eastern Illinois and was fortunate enough to have him in my economics class there. He will be missed.
Sonya Hicks
August 27, 2008
Our Prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Hicks Family
louis carwell
August 27, 2008
rest in peace kevin duckworth,you were a good player and a great teammate, may the lord bless you and your family always.
NEREYDA GREGORY
August 27, 2008
R.I.P. GONE TO SOON! WE'LL MISS U!
August 27, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Patrice Hardy
August 26, 2008
Godspeed to a true gift of the NBA. We will miss your interest in the children and your abilty to change their directions.
Amy Warren Patterson
August 26, 2008
To the Duckworth family my heartfelt sympathy. I saw Kevin play several years ago against the Pistons. I loved the Blazers also even though I am committed to Detroit. He will be missed. So young, Too soon. My prayers are with the family.
August 26, 2008
God be with you and your loved ones. you will be remembered fondly by your fans as a great athlete and gentleman.
Cheryl (A Detroit Pistons Fan and native Detroiter)
August 26, 2008
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Duckworth family at the loss of Kevin. He will be forever remembered for his dedication to the game of basketball and his contribution to the community in Portland.
Chris Branson
August 26, 2008
I had the privilege of briefly getting to know Kevin Duckworth a few years ago when we were both guests at the same hunting camp. He was a genuinely warm and funny person and I enjoyed hearing his stories about his days in the NBA. I was very sorry to learn of his passing. God bless his family at this difficult time. He will be missed!
Walter McCall
August 26, 2008
Rest in Peace Big Man, Your time on earth was well served.
Peace and Blessings to the Family.
KEVIN EDMONDS
August 26, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived
okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here
is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you
every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up
and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were
gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for
me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's
chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life
on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not
be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But
one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a
time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will
give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day
was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the
way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick
him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in
your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember
you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
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