Duane John Tahran, Sr. passed away on April 1, 2021 in Lacey, Washington. He was born September 11, 1940 at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington, the oldest child of John and Vivian Tahran. He spent his early years growing up on the family farm near Cleveland, North Dakota prior to moving back to Olympia with the family in May 1956 where he graduated from Olympia High School in 1958.
After graduation, he hired on with the Boeing Company in Seattle, Washington as a shop clerk and was soon accepted into the Machinist Apprenticeship. Over the years, he continued to advance his career by becoming a Numerical Control (NC) Programmer and learning Tool Design. These skills along with his great work ethic, allowed him to become a person in high demand for contract work all across the country. After spending a couple of years pursuing these opportunities, he returned to the Boeing Company in 1971, where he was a lead manager over both the NC Programming and Tool Design departments for the Fabrication Division in Auburn, Washington until he retired in June 1998.
When not working, he enjoyed plenty of hobbies. Being a bit of a jack of all trades, he would spend hours in his shop doing paint and body work, welding, rebuilding engines and cars, as well as carpentry, gardening, and working on and maintaining his home and property. He biggest joy was his Corvettes. He bought his first Corvette while working in Nashville, Tennessee in 1969.
Duane is survived by his partner of 34 years, Bobbie Schwein; his three children, Duane John Tahran, Jr. (Cheryl) of Olympia, WA., Blake Richard Tahran of Jacksonville, Fl., Denette Roxanne Tahran of Jacksonville, Fl., his brother Myron Tahran of Morton, WA.; sisters Linda Royal of Olympia, WA., Gloria Johnstone (John) of Chehalis, WA., LaVone Swanson (Terry) of Olympia, WA., four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Vivian Tahran.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that a donation be made in Duane's name for crohn's research.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Mills & Mills Memorial Park, 5725 Littlerock Rd. SW, Tumwater, WA.
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