Duane Eugene Nations, 68, of Molson, Washington, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2020, at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee, Washington.

Duane was born in Darrington, Washington to Donald and Edith Nations on Feb. 7, 1952. He went to Darrington High School where he met his wife, Darla. He married Darla J. Beesley on Aug. 17, 1970, in Tulare, California. Duane and Darla moved to Aberdeen, Washington in 1970 where they had their three children. In 1995 they moved “out the Wishkah” where they lived for 24 years until moving to Molson, Washington. Duane had always loved Eastern Washington and had always dreamed of living there. His dream came true in April 2019. He worked in a shake mill in logging and as a timber faller alongside his brother, Carl, for over 40 years before retiring in 2012.

Duane enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, camping and hiking. He was an extremely outgoing and social man. He always had a smile, a handshake and was full of fun and laughter. Duane was the perfect example of the saying “never met a stranger”. He loved to attend the sporting events, or any event for that matter, of his children when they were growing up. He seldom missed a practice and never missed a game. He later came to carry on that tradition with his grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He was always their number one fan. He also looked forward to annual summer vacations with his brother and sister-in-law, David and Karla Baker, and their children.

Duane is survived by his wife of 49 years, Darla J. Nations of Aberdeen, Washington; three children, Mark (Marci) Nations of Aberdeen, Washington, Mindy (Scott) Carey of Las Cruces, New Mexico and Jeff (Shante) Nations of Aberdeen, Washington; brothers and sisters, Jim (Vickie) Nations of Darrington, Washington, Carrie (Berlin) Cook of Arlington, Washington, Bonnie Moore of Kasilof, Alaska and Carl (Mollie) Nations of Quinault, Washington and five grandchildren, Sierra (Hunter) Ostenson, Teagan Louthan, Chase Carey, Parker Nations and Madisyn Carey.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Edith Nations, and his brother Ray Nations.

A “Celebration of Life” potluck gathering will be held at 1 p.m. on July 11, 2020, at the home of Mark and Marci Nations, 30 Squirrel Road, Aberdeen, Washington.

A private graveside gathering will be held at 11 a.m. on July 17, 2020, at Darrington Cemetery, Darrington, Washington.