Duane L. Champion, 95, of Winchester, formerly of Clay, NY, passed away Feb. 17th at Winchester Hospital after a brief illness. Born and raised in Mapleton, Iowa, he was the son of the late Edwin G. and Katherine (Null) Champion.
A World War II U.S. Army Air Force veteran, serving as a radio and control tower operator, Duane enjoyed sports and played semi-pro baseball in Iowa in the 1930's. Following the war, he worked as an electronic technician for General Electric in Syracuse, NY for 33 years. In his spare time, he played softball and was active in local bowling leagues until he was into his 80's. His late wife, Ethel, grew African Violets; Duane was an active member and officer of the African Violet Society of Syracuse, a charter member and officer of the New York State African Violet Society, and a member of the African Violet Society of America. He enjoyed membership in the Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Clay, NY where he served as financial advisor and sang in the choir. He also sang bass with the Village Singers, a community choir in Baldwinsville, NY.
In September 2005, after the death of Ethel, his wife of 60 years, Duane did his daughter Paula the favor of moving into her home in Winchester MA. He started the coffee most mornings before he got her up, significantly improved the cooking both by assisting and by his hearty appetite and, by example, showed how to live a healthy 90-plus year life. He was a welcome addition to the household and part of many happy family gatherings there. Persuading him to let others shovel the snow, however, took some time.
Tracking the weather and the daily news, following the Red Sox, and keeping an eye on Syracuse University's Men's Basketball team were daily pleasures as was enjoying the events on Manchester Field.
Duane will be greatly missed by Lucky, an 18-year old cat, who, once Duane arrived, would accept no other lap and by Grace, a very energetic younger cat, who regarded Duane's walker as her personal rolling throne.
He was the beloved husband of the late Ethel (Wightman), and the loving father of Lynne S. Champion of Wilmington, Paula C. Swartz of Winchester, Duane E. Champion of Menlo Park, CA and Carol A. Champion of NY, NY. He was the loving grandfather of Mark and David Swartz of Arlington and Cambridge and John Ferrari (CA) and Kyle Champion (WA) and great-grandfather of Joseph John Ferrari. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Duane’s memory may be made to the Boston Rescue Mission, PO Box 120069, Boston, MA 02112-0069.