Duane H. LAIBLE was born on 5 June 1940 in Beulah, North Dakota to Rose and Heronimus Laible. He peacefully departed this life at his home on Hood Canal in the company of his family on 3 September 2007 after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. He was raised in Helena, Montana and graduated from Helena Senior High School in 1958. He graduated from Webb Institute in Glen Cove, New York in 1962 where he studied Naval Architecture. In August 1962 he married his high school sweetheart, Diane Liedle, and they moved to Seattle where they began their life together. Duane began his career at The Glosten Associates, a prominent naval architecture and marine engineering consulting firm, in 1971. He was President for 20 years and Chairman from 2000 until his death. He led the firm with passion, integrity and devotion, always focusing on client service and excellence.

Duane was devoted to his alma mater, Webb Institute, and worked tirelessly to raise funds for future students. He firmly believed in the value of a good education. His love for naval architecture and the Seattle maritime community was boundless. He served on the Board of the Ballard Maritime Academy, participated in the Propeller Club of the United States and was a prominent member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers both locally and nationally. In 2003 he was appointed by President Bush to serve on the United States Arctic Research Commission.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Jeanice Diane Laible, parents, Rose and Heronimus Laible, sisters, Lorraine Isaak, Esther Lang and Clendora Morley and brother, Erhart Laible. He is survived by his children, Henry Laible and wife, Jennifer, grandson, Diego, granddaughter, Alejandra; daughter, Elaine Spidal and husband, Glen, grandsons, Jeremy and Josiah; sister, Darlene Acklin and brother-in-law, Gene, brother, Myron Laible and sister-in-law, Sarah and a large number of nieces and nephews and their families. He is also survived by good friend, Mary Stenberg. Duane will be remembered as a man with a big heart, a great sense of humor, a passion for life, but to his family he will always be remembered as "Papa D." He believed it was his responsibility to give back to his community, his profession, and his church. He was instrumental in the leadership of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church where he served in a number of positions, including president of the congregation, over the last 45 years. Most recently he participated in a Gilda's Club Fashion Show fundraiser as a model. He believed that to whom much is given, much is required and that was reflected in every aspect of his life. He will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, 7 September at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 7750 21st. Ave. NW, Seattle, WA 98117, with a reception to follow. A Celebration of Life Memorial for family, friends and industry will be held on Friday, October 5 at Shilshole Bay Beach Club from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers remembrances be made to Hospice of Kitsap County, P.O. Box 3416, Silverdale, WA 98383; or The Glosten Scholar Project, c/o Webb Institute, Attn: Development Office, 298 Crescent Beach Road, Glen Cove, NY 11542; or The American Cancer Society.

There will be a Life Celebration Memorial for Duane Laible on Friday, October 5, 2007 from 11am - 3pm at the Shilshole Bay Beach Club, Seattle.

Family's Obituary for Duane Laible

U.S. Arctic Research Commission's Obituary for Duane Laible

Seattle Post Intelligencer article on Duane Laible