Celebrant Pam Meily Vetter


	Celebrating Life Everyone Has A Story...

Duane E. Bovett was the only child born to Elsie and George Bovett in Pasadena, California, in 1933. His mother worked in a civil service position for the Navy, while in later life his father became a medical doctor. Duane was a very good student throughout his school years. Growing up in Pasadena and Los Angeles, he attended Logan Street Elementary School and Thomas Starr King Junior High School. When he was 16-years-old, he was smitten with a 13-year-old girl, whom he affectionately nicknamed "goof" or "goofie." Her real name was Carol (Carol Ann). The couple dated off and on for years to come as they enjoyed drive-in movies and they loved listening to rhythm and blues music and going to Dolphins of Hollywood to buy records, which featured black musicians. With a strong work ethic, Duane was a member of the Retail Clerks Union and worked first as a box boy, then as a clerk at The Pioneer Market in Echo Park. Duane went on to graduate from Belmont High School.

While studying architecture in Los Angeles City College, Duane was drafted into the United States Army. He served our country proudly from May 14, 1953, to April 23, 1955, during the Korean Conflict. While in the Army, he was stationed on the northern island of Hokkaido, Japan, with a Reconnaissance Scout Dog Platoon. After turning the dogs over to the Japanese, he was transferred to the U.S. Army Military Police in Tokyo. During his two years in the Army, he and Carol kept in touch by writing "P.S. I Love You" letters. Duane also had two beautiful silk scarves made with her painted portrait in Japan. When he finished his service, he proposed to Carol by saying, "If we don't get married, I'm moving to Missouri." Carol took a few days to think about it and finally gave her answer by saying, "Yes!" On May 14, 1955, the couple was married in a traditional wedding service at The Golden Circle Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Wanting to learn new skills, Duane worked again at The Pioneer Market as he attended Western Electronics Trade School. He learned how to build a radio the old-fashioned way and it worked. Duane earned a job at Burroughs(Unisys), working in the computer industry for the next 35 years. Starting at the beginning of the computer age, he worked on big main frames. As part of his job, he often traveled to the main plant in Michigan and did recruiting of students in Florida, Pennsylvania, and other states. He also traveled overseas to England and Belgium.

Carol and Duane loved becoming parents three times with the births of their children Teri, David and Rob. The family first lived in Glendora and in 1965, they moved to Claremont. Duane was a wonderful father who loved making his kids laugh. In fact, he was hilarious in making faces and doing impressions of Presidents Richard Nixon and Lyndon B. Johnson. Duane chose to do funny things and make jokes. He was also supportive of the kids' interests and encouraged them to reach their goals. As David became a real sports enthusiast, Duane enjoyed playing catch with David and watching him practice throwing and catching a football in the backyard. When David played baseball, Duane umpired for Little League for a few years. He always liked watching baseball games with David. Continuing his own education while the kids were still living at home, Duane earned a Bachelors Degree from La Verne College (now the University of La Verne). Over the years, he had many ideas about inventions and was the holder of two U.S. Patents. After retiring in the early 90s, he served as a Grand Juror for the County of Los Angeles from 1996 to 1997.

For fun over the years, the family enjoyed summer vacations at Newport Beach. Duane enjoyed swimming in the ocean waves. He also loved going to the horse races at Santa Anita, Hollywood Park and Del Mar. With many favorites, Duane seemed to have coffee in his veins as he loved drinking strong black coffee. He enjoyed steak and potatoes or fish for dinner as he liked many foods. His favorite songs were "Wipeout" by the Sufaris and "Spirit in the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum. With a love of animals, Duane's most memorable pet was a white mix dog that the family adopted at the Baldwin Park Animal Shelter. The kids named the dog Fluffy. A special dog, Fluffy lived for 18 wonderful years. He loved Mustangs, cars and motorcycles. He was well known for driving his 1965 tan Mustang Convertible around Claremont that he bought in the early 70s for $1,800. The love of Mustangs ran in the family as Teri and Carol both owned yellow Mustangs, David owned a green Mustang. Rob totally rebuilt a red 1966 Mustang and still owns the original 1965 tan Mustang convertible that has been in the family for many years. Duane loved watching the History Channel, especially features about World War II. Enjoying sports, he liked watching the Dodgers on TV and would listen to the horse races with Harry and Grandpa while sitting in the Corvair. After Rob moved to Oregon, Carol and Duane enjoyed traveling every summer to visit. More often a homebody, his family was always the best part of his life. Duane was proud to be called Grandpa by his grandchildren: Christopher, Sean, Aaron, Taylor, and Ashly. He loved horsing around with his grandchildren and making them laugh. When everyone planned on going out to dinner, they'd create a family vote to decide on the restaurant. The place that received the most votes was the winning site for dinner. It was always a fun way to choose the restaurant.

Throughout the years, Carol and Duane developed a strong partnership. They celebrated every wedding anniversary with a special dinner. They also celebrated the milestones with special events. On their 25th anniversary, the family went out together to celebrate at Benihanas. On their 30th, they went to Hawaii and on their 40th, they celebrated at Teri's house. On their 50th wedding anniversary, they stayed at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas. With beliefs in God and Heaven, several years ago Duane made an attempt to read the Bible. If you said it first, he said "I love you" in return, as you always knew you were loved. His purpose in life was as a caretaker and to make everybody laugh, even a stranger on the street. He was very friendly and he was recognized in Claremont for his Sean Connery style beard and driving around in his Mustang. One of the final things he did before passing was to throw Carol a kiss and wave goodbye. While the family believes that Duane is now in a better place, they will miss everything about him. Carol will miss the companionship. Teri will miss the laughter. As friends and family look back and think of Duane Bovett, they will remember his offbeat humor, laughter, and smile. The family believes his advice would be to do your own thing in life and remember to laugh.

His mother, Elsie, and many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law preceded Duane in death. He is remembered by his wife of 54 years, Carol; daughter Teri and her husband Paul; son David and his wife Julie; son Rob and his wife Sally; grandchildren Christopher, Sean, Aaron, Taylor, and Ashly.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcome to your favorite children's charity or Loma Linda University Children's Hospital lomalindahealth.org/childrens-hospital/.

PHOTOS OF DUANE BOVETT: webpages.charter.net/bople/dad/.

DAD

How a person remembers his/her father is kind of like the American experience: Disjointed, fragmented; often fraught with indecisiveness and tragedy. Most fathers are remembered for their foibles; for their faults, whether lovable or not.

I have no such memory of my father.

My father was a good and decent man. He did his best, every day of his life, to make mine – and my siblings' – life better, easier, and more rewarding than his had been. I will always treasure the time I was able to spend with him.

Much can be said about how he was always a good provider. We were not wealthy by any means, but we never truly wanted for anything. We were able to participate in Indian Guides, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, and numerous other after-school recreational activities. Dad wasn't the best athlete, but he was good enough to be an effective teacher in after-school activities and was proud to attend those activities.

What he taught me about life, however, was far more valuable.

As his oldest son, I am sure that he (as an only child himself) was learning on the job. And, maybe that's the best way. I learned too many things from my Dad to recount in one missive. Among the concepts I was able to take from his teaching were good sportsmanship; desire; the drive to excel; and, making the most of my talent. He taught me how to succeed.

He taught me to respect others; to respect the world around me; to be grateful for opportunities that arose for me. He taught me how to win (or lose) with dignity and grace.

Dad taught me about motorcycles – how to work on them, and how to ride them. He taught me to drive, using his 1968 VW bug. He taught me how to work on cars, including my 1965 Mustang – in which I replaced the transmission nearly a dozen times. He taught me the value of "cloodging."

My first "real" job was working alongside my dad, at Burroughs. He – the holder of patents, a section manager in the hardware design department; he, of the 20+ year career in computer technology – would drop by to see my progress as a paperwork technician ("Logic Technician"), working within his design department. His last real job was working as my office manager for my law firm.

It is safe to say that we were close.

My father taught me to be real.
My father taught me to be a man.
His loss leaves a hole in my soul that can never be filled.

- David Bovett

The famous author "Anonymous" once said that "one-hundred years from now it will not matter what your bank account was, the sort of house you lived in, or the kind of car you drove. But the world may be different because you were important in the life of child." My dad was important in the lives of many - he was a good man, worked hard, was a great friend, and he loved his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. We will miss him.

- Rob Bovett

Carol, I'm crushed and saddened to hear about Duane. We were so close for many years and got along very well. Sometimes we may have had differences of opinion with work related subjects, but never with personal issues. I believe Duane and I did a lot for Burroughs and we enjoyed doing it. I will never forget him. As time goes on, I frequently think of him and wonder how you folks were doing.

Take care and pass my regards on to the rest of the family,
Mort Watson

Dear Carol, I am so very, very sorry. He has no worries now and soon we will all "get lucky" and shuffle off. I have sent your note on to all the Burroughs and Unisys people on my list. If there is anything I can do, please, please let me know.

Love,
Warren

Oh Carol, we are so sorry to hear about Duane. Frank and I are stunned and terribly saddened for you. We had thought he was doing better in his new facility; Frank was still intending to phone him and now it's too late. Yes, good intentions, but… You're very kind to bring up the suggestion regarding a donation; that's our favorite thing to do under these circumstances. Carol, if there is anything we can do, please, please let us know, dear friend.

You and your family will be in our special thoughts and prayers.
Luanne & Frank Bragg

Dear Carolann, I pray comfort and that in time your mourning will turn to joy. Beauty for ashes.

I love you. oooooo and xxxxxxxx
Emmy

Dear Carol, I was very saddened to hear that Duane has passed away. As I think you know, I met Duane almost 50 years ago as we attended the same technical school and then by sheer coincidence both started working at Burroughs. He was a great guy and it was a pleasure to know the Bovett family.

I wish you the best.
Jake Vigil

Hi Carol, I have great sorrow with the news about Duane. He was a unique guy. Very intelligent, spoke his mind (usually right) and very funny. It was a pleasure knowing and working with him. It's also been a pleasure knowing you and seeing how caring you have been for him.

God bless Duane, God love you.
Byron Pagliassotti

Dearest Carol, Thank you so much for letting us know about Duane's passing. I feel terrible that we never got over to see you folks for so long. Our intentions were good. You are in my heart, on my mind and in our prayers and I trust the Lord will comfort you as you go through this difficult time of loss and adjustment. If we can help in any way, please let us know.

Loving you,
Margie & Ken

Carol, I am so sorry for your loss and I cannot even imagine how hard things must be for you right now, and then adding to that, trying to plan and schedule everything to meet our needs. I just wanted you to know I am thinking about you and you are in all of our prayers.

With love,
Sally

Dear Carol Ann, I'm not good at comforting, but I had to smile thinking about Duane and his fake smile when you would tell him to do so. Duane was quite gentle the week that he spent here and I enjoyed his stay, never thinking that it would be so brief. Years and years ago, while you and he were visiting us on Mountain Avenue, we were talking about God because of the news of the day, a man had murdered someone and he had stated that God had told him to. I had asked Duane if he prayed as the conversation led up to it. He said that he never prayed because God had given him everything so why should he pray. I never forgot that because I remembered that God states, "God helps those that help themselves." Duane was a lot younger when he said that. I didn't know back then, but Harry never prayed either. So, the two of them had something in common besides the horses and playing Tripoli for fun. I have thought about Duane and his humor by covering up my tears of sadness.

Take care, Carol, loving you,
Betty

Dear Carol, I was so sorry to hear of Duane's passing. I worked with Duane for several years at Burroughs Corp. in Pasadena. I knew Duane from the time he hired in at Burroughs until I transferred up to the Santa Barbara facility in Goleta in 1973. Please accept my sincere condolences. I always respected Duane (and his working partner, Mort) and relied on them for their advice and support.

May God be with you during this time.
Bill Gregg

May God bless you, Duane, and keep you snuggled in His arms. We knew each other from childhood and had lots of private special moments together, including laughter. He had a very special sense of humor. Most recently, while he was hospitalized, Teri and I were leaving and said our goodbyes, etc. Then I turned back and said to him "sooo long sucker" and Teri looked at me and said "that's not nice." So, I said to Duane – "Now what do you say" and he said "sooo long sucker." Once in a while he would get a gruff look on his face and sometimes that would intimidate others – especially the caregivers of the recent past, Maria and Addie. Then, it became a joke when he would tell them he would send them to jail or fire them. Everyone loved him and enjoyed his humor even if they didn't understand it. We love you, Duane, and you will always be a part of us.

All my love,
Carol

To everyone:

Thank you all for the many cards, e-mails, and phone calls with condolences and best wishes.
We appreciate your thoughtfulness and love.

The Bovett Family