Robert 'Duane' Bracken, 72

Robert "Duane" Bracken, 72, of Somers, passed away peacefully at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls on Friday, March 22, 2013. 

He was born on Nov. 24, 1940, in Astoria, Ore., to Robert and Carrie Bracken.

He graduated from Annandale High School, Annandale, Va., in 1960, and attended Montana State College, 1960 to 1962. 

Duane then joined the Air Force where he served as a special agent, retiring in 1983 while stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. He made a second career as a special agent for the Alaska Railroad, retiring in 1992.

In 1965, he married his first wife, Linda Stilling, while stationed in Alice Springs, Australia. She preceded him in death in 1967. In 1968, he married Catherine Morley and they remained together until 1997.

For years Duane enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout Alaska, then he discovered golf. 

After retirement, he moved to Kalispell, purchasing a home in Village Greens where he could pursue his passion for golf with his many golfing friends until his health prevented him.

Duane was a conversationalist and storyteller. He scoffed at the Internet, choosing instead to have real conversations either in person or on the telephone. There was seldom a day when he didn't talk with family or friends on the telephone. His family said that Duane was the link that kept his extended family connected with news and happenings.

Duane is survived by his sister, Sandy Pease; niece, Carrie Gerdes; nephew, Brian Pease; and many cousins.

His ashes will be scattered at 12:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, on the family farm in Chester, with a luncheon to follow at Spud's Café in Chester.