Duane Napoleon Sr.

Obituary of Duane William Napoleon Sr.

Duane William “Dewey” Napoleon Sr. passed away peacefully on June 20, 2018 in Olympia, Washington, after a courageous battle with renal failure.  He was born “William George” to Esther L. George in Suquamish, Washington.  At the age of five, he was adopted by Frank Napoleon Sr. and Berniece H. Purser Napoleon.  Dad grew up in Poulsbo, Washington, and graduated in 1958 from North Kitsap High School. 

 

In January of 1966, he married his wife and soul mate, Janet E. Campbell.  Our father was employed as a longshoreman with I.L.W.U. Local #47 (Olympia, Washington) until 1975, and then transferred to I.L.W.U. Local #23 (Tacoma, Washington) until he retired.  He was a very loyal and proud Union member as well, and was very dedicated to his Suquamish tribal culture and customs, which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. 

 

Dad’s many passions were hunting, fishing, clam digging, camping (later RV’ing), traveling, sports, making canes and walking sticks from Diamond Willow wood.  We will never forget dad’s patience, smile, laughter, and sense of humor.

     

Dad will forever be missed by his adored children, Jorja A. Campbell, Duane W. Napoleon Jr. (Teresa), and Jason C. Napoleon; treasured grandchildren, Mallory I. Little (Andrew), Sienna E. Napoleon, Thomessa R. Inions-Napoleon, and Brayden C. Napoleon; his beloved sisters, Joyce A. Parsons and Lola A. Wilson (Dave); sister-in-law, Jo Burns; aunt, Lorraine Joseph; numerous nieces and nephews; Campbell cousins in Montana; and countless friends.

 

Our family would like to thank Tabitha Baldwin, our cousin Chrystal Parsons, and the Assured Hospice staff for the wonderful care and compassion in the care of our father.

 

Dad touched the lives of many people with his trademark smile and generosity, and maintained his sense of humor all the way to the end. 

 

Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 14, 2018, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the South Sound Manor, 455 North St. SE, Tumwater, WA 98501.  At the family’s request, internment will be in various locations throughout Washington State and also in Roscoe, Montana, sometime next summer.

 

Our family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to American Cancer Society.

 

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Saturday
14
July

Celebration of Life

1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Saturday, July 14, 2018
South Sound Manor
455 North Street SE
Tumwater, Washington, United States
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