Devon (R) and friends strike a pose in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris during Devon’s 2015 European trip.

“I’ve known Duane for close to 20 years, since Leon Williams of Wil- liams Seed Company introduced us. We’ve been good friends the whole time and serving on the TPI Board with him the past few years has strengthened that friendship.

He’s a top notch guy. But one thing does bother me about Duane. He has this persimmon Fairway Wood, a num- ber 5, that’s actually made of persim- mon wood. He let me try it once and I could have played the whole course with it. I’ve been trying to get it out of his golf bag for about 20 years; begging him for it. He won’t sell it. He won’t even let me get it him my hands on it— he might not get it back.

What Others Say

“Duane served on the TPI Board of Trustees for seven years. I had the pleasure of serving with him for three of those years and admire his abilities and dedication. He’s very well informed, very insightful and very articulate. He has a broad range of contacts and is always willing to listen to and consider the ideas of others. He brings a lot to the table, not only from the seed supplier’s perspective, but also from a solid and balanced view of the industry overall.

He’s very passionate and engaged in the industry and TPI. He’s dedicated to serving, whether he’s in a leadership role, part of a team, or working alone to take on the details of a task or initiative that will advance industry goals.

He’s a great person to spend time with, with a wonderful sense of humor. Duane is honest and dependable, a strong, stand-up guy as a supplier, a board or committee member, and personally.”

Ian True, National Sales Manager, Trebro Manufacturing, Inc., Billings, Montana

TPI TURF EW • NOVEMB TPI TURF NEWS • NOVEMBER/DECE

Duane is committed to the industry and to TPI. He enjoys the association and loves the membership. He’s a very sharp, very business-savvy guy and a real pleasure to work with on the Board. He’s so willing to give of his time and talent. He volunteers without hesitation, always saying yes when he’s asked to do anything for TPI and he goes over and above what is expected. He’s stepped up a couple times when asked to serve on the Board an extra year. While I hated losing him on the Board, his commitment to TPI is so strong he’s continuing to give back, always working to make things better.

I have to give a lot of credit to his wife, Dana. Once, when I said he needed to get going or he’d get in trouble at home, he said no, Dana understands. Later, when I mentioned that to her, she told me what- ever he wants to do, I’m behind him all the way. She really is that understanding.

Duane is a great guy. I can’t say enough good things about him. He has the three “Hs” so important to a man’s character. He’s absolutely honest. He’s very humble. You can get his face to turn red very easily just by telling oth- ers something nice about him while he’s there. And he has a great sense of humor. The only thing that I regret is not having known him all my life.”

DECEMBER 2015R 2015

Eddie Keeven, Jr., Owner, Emerald View Turf Farm, O’Fallon, Missouri

Duane is a rock star! He has the most infectious smile and positive outlook of anyone I know. I think he has a trademark on his giggle/laugh – it’s just something that makes you smile when you hear it. He is constantly thinking of others, always finding something to compliment, and will always afford you that precious com- modity known as time. After talking to Duane, you leave feeling good.

Duane is dedicated to the seed indus- try and represents his employer and related associations very well. He has served many. He has a long and knowl- edgeable history of the industry, and I consider it an honor to have known him for the lion’s share of these years. He is a man who ponders suggestions and will readily embrace change for the better, not just for the sake of change. He recognizes and is quick to repair something that isn’t working—offering additional suggestions on potential improvements, and always in a positive manner. He is a bit like a dog with a bone when he believes and knows that something needs attention, and wants to see results, and is never afraid of try- ing something that’s never been done before. He is just well-balanced.

Duane is a man whose family’s well-be- ing and happiness always comes first. I’d say he considers a lot of his friends an extension of his family. There is no one more reliable than he.

Duane’s not only a good person, but also a good competitor and client. First and most importantly, I’m proud to consider him a friend.

Nancy Aerni, Vice President, Turf Merchants, Inc., Tangent, Oregon

87 7