Arthur "Duffy" Yamada

1943 - 2014

Arthur "Duffy" Yamada

Arthur Duane Yamada, known to all his friends and family as Duffy, passed away on August 11, 2014, in Yuma, AZ.

Duffy was born on July 8, 1943 to Shizuko and Arthur T. Yamada in Havre, MT. He grew up in the city of Milton, WA, and attended Fife High School where he was a state wrestling champion. He graduated from FHS in 1961. He attended the University of Washington on an athletic scholarship and graduated in 1967 with a BA in Art. Duffy was an officer in the Army from 1967-1970, serving in Viet Nam from 1968-69. He owned and sold a tavern in Shelton, WA. In 1993, he moved to Yuma, AZ where he founded and later sold the Coffee Bean Espresso Coffee Bar. Duffy worked for the Disabled American Veterans where he was a life member. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 56.

Duffy was preceded in death by his father Art, mother Shiz, and sister Carolyn "Janey" Frank. He is survived by his sister Shelley Kikuchi (Barry) and son Edward Duane Wagner and family.

Duffy will be missed by both his friends in Yuma and friends and family here in the Northwest. A Celebration of Life was held in Yuma, AZ. He will be laid to rest with his mother and sister in the Tacoma Cemetery.