Duane R. Ristad, 63, of Sandy, OR was found dead in his home on Monday, October 31, 2011.
A celebration of his life will be held at 1PM, Tuesday, November 8, at Sandy Baptist Church, Sandy, OR. Burial was held at Willamette National Cemetery November 3.
Duane was born February 2, 1948, the son of Orlando and
Harriet Ristad in Grand Forks, ND. He was raised there and attended Grand Forks schools. At 19, Duane volunteered to join the Navy. He served our country as a Seaman from 1967 to 1969 receiving a Purple Heart for wounds suffered in the Vietnam War. In the following years, Duane made his home in Fargo, ND and Portland, OR. Duane worked all his life in the roofing and road construction industries. He last worked at Higgins Signs in Clackamas, Oregon.
Duane loved animals, especially cats, which were a big part of his life. He found enjoyment in baseball, cowboy movies, music, puzzles, the Christmas season as well as a good long walk in the sun to get a nice tan. Duane was a generous, kind, and loving individual who had a hearty hello and vibrant smile for all.
He is survived by his sister Gay Ristad of Tigard, OR; nephews Robert (Missy) Ristad, Vancouver, WA, and Kirk Ristad, Lolo, MT; niece Cassidy Ristad of Tigard, OR; 2 grand nephews, and 1 grandniece and his beloved cats Ashes and Wyatt. Duane was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Robert and Raymond. He shares a special place in our hearts and will always be remembered.