Nicholas Phillip Duyn's Obituary
Nicholas Philip Duyn Jr. (October 10, 1919- October 30, 2016)
Nicholas Philip Duyn passed away suddenly from natural causes on October 30, 2016 at The Royalton Assisted Living facility in Milwaukie, Oregon.
He was born in Oregon City, Oregon, the 6th of 8 siblings, to Nicholas and Gertrude Duyn and lived in Oregon City most of his life. He attended Benson High School and other than a stint in the shipyards during WWII, he worked in the logging industry his entire career. Managing the Oregon City Boom Co. for 30 years until his retirement in 1984 enabled him to meet and work with many loggers and put his mechanical skills to the test to keep the machinery functioning smoothly. His reputation for hard work and dedication to the job was equal to none. At home, he was a man of many talents, mechanic, plumber, electrician and general handyman. His family never knew what it was to hire a repairman because "Nick can fix it".
On his 22nd birthday, he married Margaret McCann and together they raised 6 children and 2 foster children. Though Nick worked hard and long hours, he made it a priority for his family to attend mass, send his children to St. John's school and break free for family picnics and camping trips in the summer. He was a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church and the Oregon City Elks Club for most of his life. Never one to miss out on a good time, he had many friends and wrote many chapters in the book of fun, but his top priority was his family. After 53 years of marriage Margaret (Marge) succumbed to cancer and later Nick reunited with his old high school sweetheart, Elsie Miller. They enjoyed a long and loving relationship for 22 years, during which he stayed busy, keeping up with repairs and yardwork not only for Elsie but for the neighbors as well. They loved to take long drives and even took a trip to her native Germany. As age took its toll and physical limitations increased he still stayed busy till the day he died crocheting hangars which he was proud to give away and see them travel across the world.
Nick was a man of quiet but strong faith that grew as he aged. He knew his Lord and faithfully served Him by caring for his family, helping anyone that needed it, and was a faithful member of his church family. He often asked for prayer and reported that God had been good to him and he was ready to go home.
Nick is survived by his wife Elsie, son Mike Duyn, foster son,Randy Uding; daughters Louise Duyn Glenn, Rose Duyn Parr, Julie Duyn Morgan, Donna Duyn Knaeble and their spouses, foster daughter Laurie Uding; sister Dorothy Gage; Sister in law Lucille Zak; 15 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and several great, great grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held on Monday, November7, 2016 from 12 to 4PM at Holman-Hankins & Waud Funeral Home in Oregon City.
A funeral service will be held at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Oregon City on Tuesday November 8, 2016. Rosary will be at 10:30 followed by funeral mass. Lunch will be served in the Parish Community Center.
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