Duane Clarc Davidson

Duane Davidson was born in Denver on July 10, 1937, to Velma Anderson Davidson and Adam C. “Bus” Davidson. He attended Semper Elementary, Arvada Jr. High, and graduated from Arvada High School in 1954 where he was student body president.

At the University of Colorado, Duane earned a double major in journalism and French. Prior to his senior year in 1958, Duane had a life-changing opportunity. He was selected as one of ten 4H members in the nation to participate in a year-long foreign experience with the International Farm Youth Exchange program. He was sent to Nepal, half a world away, to share agricultural methods and develop cultural ties. He lived with four different host families, and upon his return completed a speaking tour across Colorado.

At the close of his time in Nepal, he met a diplomat working for the United States Information Agency in Kathmandu who encouraged him to explore a career in foreign service. As a journalism major with French language background, extensive leadership experience, and photography skills, Duane was a good match for USIA.

During his 27-year career with USIA, Duane served as a diplomat in embassies in Laos, Korea, and Central Africa, and at Voice of America in Washington DC in a range of roles. Fluent in four languages, he was chosen to perform inspections of embassies world-wide during the final years of his career. Respected by colleagues and known for his calm manner and leadership skills, he made life-long friends on three continents.

He continued a life of service when he retired. Returning to Arvada, he purchased a home close to his parents, providing them companionship and support. In retirement he pursued many interests including photography, genealogy, and volunteered as a certified Master Gardener.

Duane’s commitment to 4H spanned much of his life and continued until his passing. Joining Jefferson County 4H at age 10, he engaged in a wide range of activities over the next eight years including raising sheep, forestry, gardening, home beautification, leadership, and photography. Many of the skills he gained through these 4H activities had a life-long impact; they also influenced his career path through his year-long foreign experience in Nepal. He was a founding member of the Jefferson County 4H Foundation whose mission is to support local 4H clubs and activities and to award scholarships to worthy students. Duane spearheaded their primary fundraiser, an annual tree sale, for more than 20 years and served on the Foundation until his passing.

Duane faced the challenges of Parkinson’s disease with courage and grace and passed peacefully on December 2, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents; uncles Delbert Anderson, Glenn Anderson, and Fred Davidson; aunts Kathryn “Peggy” Anderson, Dorothy Vecchiarelli, Shirley Alm, and Edith Minella. Duane is survived by an aunt, Audrey Anderson, and many cousins.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Jefferson County 4H Foundation, 15200 West 6th Ave. Unit C, Golden, CO, 80401.

Upcoming Memorial Service information is listed below including a link to attend the service virtually on June 6. (click on “join livestream”)

The livestream of the service will be available to view on the website for three months until 9/6/22.