Nostalgia & History > Rail photographer Donald Duke has passed away

I don't think anyone will mind my posting some words and a photo by friends of famed rail photographer Donald Duke,
in announcing his passing:

> Hello Friends,
>
> It is with great sadness that I must report the passing of Donald Duke.
> He died this past Monday evening at his home, following a normal day at
> the office and talking about his next book project.
>
> He had no problems to speak of and while he had finished testing with
> several doctors to confirm his cancer was gone just last week, following
> chemo and radiation earlier this year, he suffered a massive heart
> attack in the early evening.
>
> Duke did not want any funeral or memorial services, but there has been
> talk of a memorial of some type in the coming weeks. As details become
> known, I will get out the word.
>
> Enjoy the attached image of Duke taken by Steve Crise a few years ago
> when the 3751 was at Union Station.
>
> Best wishes to you all and God Bless Duke.
>
> Michael Patris



> ...Don was 81. I first met him while we worked at Mobil Oil. He told
> me to throw away my Box Camera and get a 35 mm camera. I did and was
> forever grateful. He took me along on Sundays while we photographed
> the remainder of the Pacific Electric. I learned much from Don. Not
> too many of us old timers left who knew and rode the P. E.
>
> I believe Don ranked up there with Ira Swett as a rail photographer
> and historian and Author. He will be missed.
>
> -Alan Weeks



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 10/02/10 13:40 by GenePoon.

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All aboard, Donald. Highball! Be at peace.

Never knew or heard of him, but he sure looks like he was a fun guy from that photo!

You mean, all those wonderful pictures he took were from one of those Kodak disposable cameras!?! Oh, the humanity...

I bought that book "Steel Rails through California" in the 1960's (still have it) and used to look at it religiously! I recommend if you don't have it try to get a copy, it's all black and white but has some really great photos. That book was one of the reasons I became a railfan...Rest in Peace Donald. I never met you but you were sure a fine photographer! Steve in Grossmont, CA.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/03/10 12:36 by the_expediter.

Wow ! A TO member that has never ( or admits to ) heard of Donald Duke !
From an era before pixels and 1000mm lenses, he and his contemporaries
were out recording railroading's finest hour !! Not only that, but he
published many books of his and other's work.
RIP, Mr. Duke