Born on April 16, 1953 in Bangor, Maine to Theodore and Delma York, Duane attended Bucksport and Bath schools, graduating from Morse High School in 1971. While attending MHS, Duane was co-captain and a standout on the basketball team, leading the team with 320 points his senior year. He was named to the Bangor Daily News All-Maine Team and the Sunkist All-American Team. He attended the University of Maine at Machias and was the only freshman named as a Northeast Conference All-Star, averaging 25 points and 15 rebounds per game.
He had a lifelong passion for playing ball and coaching and was a legend in his own right in the sports world in Bath. He played softball with the same group of good friends in the Bath- Brunswick Softball League during the 1970’s and 80’s, winning many championships. For many years he shared his love and competitive spirit for sports with his children and other Bath youth as a coach (and referee) for basketball, baseball and softball teams. Duane coached Little League for two decades with Donny Small and Eddie McGuire, Babe Ruth with Randy Otis, and coached basketball with Darren Lemont and Dave Dorion.
He worked at Bath Iron Works for over 30 years in Shipping & Receiving and later worked as a painter. He loved the Red Sox with a passion; animals, especially his dogs; the Celtics and Patriots and watching any type of sporting events. He also cared for his mother in his home for nearly 10 years. His kind and thoughtful heart will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.
He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Theodore, and his best friend, Donald Small.
Duane is survived by his beloved children — sons, James York and his wife Amanda of Portland, Chris York of Charleston, South Carolina, Aidan Coffin and his partner, Jennifer Hodgkins of Woolwich, and daughter, Cara York and fiancé, Taran Waterhouse of Dresden Mills. He also leaves his precious granddaughters, Charlie York, Lyla Moore, and Cora and Camryn York Coffin; and the mothers of his children, Wende Chapman and Theresa York, and many friends.
A memorial service and celebration of Yorkie’s life will be held at 4PM on Thursday, April 18th at the Bath Country Club.
In memory of Duane, donations may be made to the Bath Cal Ripken Baseball, 4 Sheridan Road, Bath 04530.
Arrangements are by Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High Street, Bath. Condolences may be made online at www.Daiglefuneralhome.com.
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