Duane Eldred

Duane R. “Tony” Eldred Wenatchee, WA On Tuesday, January 10th, 2017, Tony Eldred was called Home to our Father in Heaven. He was born Duane Robert Eldred on Wednesday, January 3, 1934, to Charles G. “Chick” and Eugenie (LaBell) Eldred in Seattle, Washington. Tony spent his childhood in the West Seattle area, graduating from West Seattle High School and continued his education at the University of Washington, graduating in 1959. On Apple Blossom weekend of 1967, he met Carol Jean Schuler, and they married in Seattle later that year. On October 7, 2016, Tony and Carol celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary with great joy. As a young married couple, Tony and Carol lived in various parts of Eastern Washington before they were transferred to Wenatchee in March of 1974. They both loved the area and decided to put down roots to raise their children, Jennifer and Damian. Throughout his life in Wenatchee, Tony was an active member of both St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and in the community. He enjoyed volunteering his time with the Knights of Columbus, and was a supporter of Boy Scouts, youth baseball, and especially St. Joseph’s Catholic School. Tony was grateful for the many friendships he developed over the years, and cherished these relationships deeply. As a young man, he was drawn to Biology, but discovered his passion in Fisheries. It was this passion that led him to a rewarding career with the Washing State Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. He said many times during his 55 years with the State, that he never worked a single day because of how much he loved what he did. While with the department, Tony held many roles and approached everything he did with enthusiasm and unmatched expertise. The only thing he loved more than what he did was his family, and watching his family grow up. His children, and especially his grandchildren (Jason, William, Maggie, Cameron, and Ellie) always put a twinkle in his eye. He thoroughly enjoyed hearing about their latest adventures, and was their biggest cheerleader for whatever they were pursuing, and he encouraged them with gusto. Tony is survived by his beloved bride, Carol; Jennifer Sinclair (John), and grandsons Jason, William, and Cameron; and son, Damian, (Amy), and his granddaughters, Maggie and Ellie. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Jean Eldred. Tony’s Rosary Vigil will be Monday, January 16, 2017 at 6 pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Tuesday at 11 am at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the Building Fund of St. Joseph’s Parish. Arrangements are by Telford’s Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.