Duane Stuart Rawson

Duane Stuart Rawson was born in Pasadena, Calif., July 19, 1930, to Martha and Carroll Rawson. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend. He was often described as the "nicest" man anyone could hope to know. His very good heart stopped beating on March 9, 2015.

"Duke," as he was known to most everyone, grew up in Alhambra, Calif. He kept in close contact with numerous friends first met at Granada Elementary and Alhambra High. He also graduated from John Muir College in Pasadena where he majored in industrial technology.

He served his country in Korea where he was chief draftsman at the Headquarters Special Troops, Eighth US Army, in Seoul. Following his military tour, he worked for Consolidated Engineering Corp. (CEC) in Pasadena. It was there he met Janice Hackett, with whom he would spend the next 60 years.

Duke and Jan were married on July 2, 1955, and settled in Glendora, Calif., where they raised a daughter and two sons. Duke served as president of the local Civitan Club and on the Board of Deacons at Glenkirk Presbyterian Church.

The computer division of CEC, where Duke progressed to management positions, was ultimately bought by Burroughs Corp. Duke retired from the company after 33 years.

Since childhood, Duke was interested in airplanes. He held a private pilot's license and for many years owned a Piper Cherokee plane. Every year, he took apart the plane's engine to accommodate a required annual inspection. Jan said he spent more time tearing the plane apart than he did flying it.

Duke and Jan built their dream retirement home in Fallbrook and became residents in January 1992. Duke's previous work led to a seven-year consulting position in engineering documentation at Motorola Corp. in San Diego. The couple became avid travelers and spent many years visiting great world destinations. Duke also stayed involved in the community as a volunteer with People to People, the free Fallbrook employment service.

Duke was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Glen. He is survived by his wife Jan; daughter Terilyn, and sons Kevin and Dan. He also leaves five grandchildren, Beau and Toby Thetford, and Kristin, Laura, and Craig Rawson. He is additionally being remembered by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews and many friends.

A Celebration of Duke's Life is being planned for July when he would have turned 85 and when he and Jan would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Memorial donations may be made to the Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary.