Duke E. Whipple

POTOMAC – Duke Evan Whipple, 57, of Potomac, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, at his home surrounded by family.

He was born Oct. 25, 1955, in Chico, Calif., to Jesse Ray Whipple and Patsy Ann Cooper. His early childhood was spent in Chico. In 1967 his family moved to Greenough where he attended Sunset Hill Grade School and Seeley-Swan High School. His family moved to Corning, Calif., where he completed high school. Duke moved to Billings in 1976 where he met his wife Mary Heffner.

They were married on Valentine's Day 1981 in Missoula. Duke and Mary settled in Potomac in 1982, where two of his biggest accomplishments were born, his son Tyrell and his daughter Emma. There they built their dream home with Duke milling the bulk of the lumber at his saw mill. Duke spent the majority of his life working in the logging industry as a sawyer and equipment operator. He enjoyed working in the woods, but not as much as he loved playing in them.

Everything had a season for Duke. The Missouri River, the Bob Marshall and the Greenough area held a special place in his heart. Duke took every opportunity that he could during paddlefish season to drive to the Missouri just to sit on the bank and fish for hours. His friends called him the "King of the Paddlers," a name he lived up to every year. Even when Duke had already filled his tag, he would still go just to catch and release. During hunting season, he would be found up at hunting camp almost every weekend. Duke had a love for his horses and would spend summers taking care of them and riding, just in preparation for hunting season. He loved telling stories around the campfire and enjoying nature with his family and close friends.

Duke's greatest joys were his grandchildren, Hayden, Harleigh, Tanner and Trevor. He was always a patient person and loved to spend time with them. He would put them on the horses, sled with them, take them fishing, or just play a game.

Duke is survived by his wife of 32 years, Mary; his son, Tyrell (Jen); daughter Emma; grandchildren, Hayden, Harleigh, Tanner and Trevor; his mother, Pat; sisters, Ramona, Fern and Patsy (Roger); brothers, Del (Tina), Rob (Karen) and Jay (Shirley); along with a very large extended family. He also leaves behind his two best friends in life, Ralph and Gary. He was preceded in death by his father, Jesse; sister Candace and brother-in law David.

All who met Duke knew what a genuine and humble person he was. His warm nature and kind heart were a gift to all those in his presence. He could be found at most family functions with a smile on his face, sharing in stories, and bringing laughter to those around him.

A celebration of Duke's life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2, at 2 p.m. at the Garden City Funeral Home, 1705 W. Broadway, with a potluck to follow. Please bring a favorite dish. The family would like for people to bring a written story about Duke. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Potomac-Greenough Community Center.

Read Duke Whipple's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.