Duane Ellison Matthews

Duane was born October 3, 1929 to Robert R. and Versal L Matthews in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The family, including sister Marjorie and brother Robert Howard, moved to Seattle in 1934. Duane attended Montlake Elementary School, Meany Middle School, and Garfield High School where he graduated in 1947. Duane graduated in 1951 from the University of Washington with a BA Degree in Economics and Business.

Duane’s career in banking spanned five decades, beginning at what was then the National Bank of Commerce of Seattle, and ending, after a series of mergers and acquisitions, at the Bank of America. Banking was a great fit for Duane, given his friendly, outgoing nature, genuine interest in others, and knack for business. Duane first worked between his junior and senior years at Garfield High School, then after working periodically during college, started full time after graduation. Duane worked in several bank branches, focusing largely on lending. He managed branches in Auburn, Mercer Island, and the University District in Seattle. In 1981, Duane was transferred to the bank's Head Office, and he retired in 1988 as Senior Vice President and Deputy Manager of the Real Estate Industries Group.

Duane was an active member of Rotary International, and it had a big influence on his life. He firmly believed in Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.” Duane joined Rotary in 1957 as a charter member of the Auburn Rotary Club. As he moved from branch to branch, Duane joined one Kiwanis Club and three different Rotary Clubs. Duane remained active in Rotary until a few years ago.

The biggest influence in Duane’s life was his wife Lois, who he met on a blind date in 1950 and married a year later. They celebrated their 72nd anniversary in April. Lois was an outstanding mother of their two children, staying home until their graduation. The two then enjoyed watching their grandchildren as they grew up. They also enjoyed traveling, playing many rounds of golf together, as well as attending Village Theatre in Issaquah for many years.

Duane’s kindness, warmth, humor, and lifelong interest in others touched all who knew him - whether at work, the bridge table or golf course, in service organizations, baseball bleachers, or large or small gatherings of family and friends. He modeled the best in how to treat and serve others, and to find and create happiness. He lived his life in a way that showed and inspired us to carry his spirit in OUR lives, and we will be forever grateful to have known and loved him.

Duane is survived by his wife Lois, and children Dana Matthews of Shoreline (husband Doug Hawkins) and Bob Matthews of Seattle (wife Karin). Dana has two children - Duane’s granddaughter Tessa McClellan (husband Palmer, great-granddaughters Zoey and Eva) and grandson Nate McClellan. Bob has one child - Duane’s granddaughter Annika.

At Duane’s request, there will not be a service. Interment will be at Acacia Memorial Park. Donations may be made to the Rotary Foundation.