Duane Spalsbury

Duane Spalsbury , 90 of Safford , AZ passed away Friday, November 16, 2012 at his home. He was born in St. Joseph, Missouri to George and Marie Spalsbury. Duane was the oldest of two boys. He attended school in St. Joseph Missouri. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree as an accounting Major at the University of Kansas. His college years were interrupted by World War 11. He served in the air force as a fighter pilot in the European Theater. He flew a variety of planes including P47, P51, P38, P39 and P 63. Yes he had hours in all of them. While at the University he met the love of his life Laura Lee Golden. They attended different schools when they first met but later ended up at Kansas University together. They were married June 24, 1944. They had a few short months together before he left for Germany. When Duane was honorably discharged from the service he finished his schooling and began accounting work in 1948 in Joplin, Missouri. He became certified in accounting in 1952. Duane moved his family to Arizona in 1955 to become a partner in Bailey Accounting. Duanes life in Safford was a very active one. With Laura Lee and four children there was never a dull moment. He was civic minded. He was very active in the community and the lives of his family. He served as treasurer of the Methodist Church and held other church positions throughout the years. He was finance chairman of the Boy Scouts Copper Council, active in the summer baseball program for little league. He was a member of the Safford Rotary Club and a Safford Bulldog Booster Club Member for many years. Duane wasnt just a member of a club or organization he was a participating member in whatever he chose to do. In 1961 Governor Paul Fannin appointed Duane to the State Board of Accountancy. He served on this board for four years. One of which he was president of the Board. In 1971 Duane was chosen as the Chamber of Commerce man of the year for his many years of service to the community. Duane served in many leadership capacities at the Mt. Graham Golf course. He loved to play golf with his friends and family. He was also an avid airplane enthusiast. Duane owned and flew several small planes throughout his life until a heart attack sidelined him. He then turned his attention to remote controlled airplanes. He built them and flew them. In 1971 he became involved with a group of citizens to bring about a new hospital to our area because the Safford Inn Hospital was soon closing. Duane was chairman of the Mt. Graham Community Hospital for over twenty years. He was a part of the many fundraisers to get the hospital established. Duane was also a large factor in the getting the land donated for the new hospital from Jay Green. He enjoyed the many friendships developed in his years of service to this organization. Duane was an avid fan for his children and all they participated in. His sons Steve and Roger played football. Duane and Laura Lee were both there to cheer them on. For many years Duane put together group football pictures in frames for each of the players. He also enjoyed watching his daughters Lynn and Julie perform at half time. He also gave coaching advice from the sidelines much to the dismay of the coaches, but his heart was always in the right place. These last few years Duane has spent time being a volunteer treasurer for a home owners association and taking care of his wife. They had a great partnership in this life looking out for one another. Another one of his greatest joys in his life was his grandchildren. Each one has stories of how Grandy, as he was called, played with each one of them. He also supported them in their many activities, cheering them on. Duane will long be remembered for his many volunteer activities in this community and the great joy he had for his family. Duane is preceded in death by his wife Laura Lee of sixty-seven years, a son Roger and a daughter Lynn. He is survived by his son Steve of Sunsites, AZ. and his daughter Julie Cluff (Houston) of Safford, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. A Memorial service for Duane will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church in Safford with Pastor Bob Holliday as celebrant. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center.