On July 16, 2021, Duane Keown, a great family man, advocate, educator, and adventurer passed away at the age of 84.
Duane was born to Herald and Bernice (Gage) Keown in 1937 in Rico, Colorado. He attended Western State University, Brigham Young University, Colorado State University and finished off his academic training with a doctorate in Biology from Ball State University in 1974. After 28 years with the University of Wyoming, he retired as Professor Emeritus of Science Education, and remained a perpetual Cowboys fan.
Duane described his life as wonderfuland rich.He packed in countless projects and adventures.In the last three years of his life, he devoted his time to writing a book, Two Paths to Rico, about his parent’s lives homesteading, working as public servants, raising a family, and surviving in Rico, Colorado. The book was recently published by Sunstone Press.
As an educator, he positively touched the lives of his students from his early days at the isolated Hide Out Mine School in San Juan County, Utah, to teaching science at Prep Laboratory School in Laramie, Wyoming. He taught science and conservation education to college students as well as practicing teachers. He was a model educator, inspiring his students to appreciate and embrace the natural world around them and he was honored with numerous professional awards.
Family and friends were incredibly important to Duane. He took loving care of his son, Tim and his daughter, Julie. He was blessed to have his wife, Joy, by his side to explore wild places and pursue their passions. In Duane’s world, dear friends were held close to his heart. He was known for his twinkling eyes, an incredible memory, burning up the dance floor, playing multiple instruments, and fighting tirelessly for the protection of public lands.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Herald and Bernice, his sister, Barbara, and his son, Tim. He is survived by his wife, Joy, her sons, Paul, Cody, Shane, and their families; his daughter Julie and her husband Chuck and their daughters, Hailey and Maia; his sister, Beverly; multiple nieces and nephews; the mother of his children, Betty Pearson; and his faithful dog, Rusty.
Celebration of life services will be held August 5th, 11 a.m. at the Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home, 2133 E Rainbow Ave., Laramie, WY. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Downtown Clinic or Laramie Interfaith.
"Hold on one second." Five minutes later, Doc returned with a whale vertebra. He described, with awe, the length of whale nerves. The whole room was transported from the classroom to the innards of a great beast of the sea. "Throw the hula hoop." We took samples of the local biota, knowing it was imperfect, but also getting the sense of what doing real science, literally getting dirt under our fingernails. I loved Dr. Keown. He changed me as a teacher and a dad. His effects are still rippling out, to my kids, to my students, and in the way I still enjoy this amazing planet. One day I will introduce my kids to the natural areas I loved as a kid. Those Science Club trips were amazing. Until then... Happy Trails, Doc.
My deepest condolences to family and friends of Dr. Known. Cheyenne is just over the hill from Laramie, but it seems so far. Because of him, I will forever remember Science classes and field trips at Prep. Back then he was energetic, passionate, but kind and devoted to passing on life science to every “kid” or person he came in contact with. I agree with previous comments. God’s Peace and Blessings be with each of us, touch by this true angel!
There was no teacher who had a greater influence on my life than Dr. Keown. It was in his Earth Sciences class that I first realized what I wanted to do with my life. He gave me the greatest experiences of my young life in and out of the classroom. It's sad that he is gone, but I celebrate all the learning and love of nature that he gave us. My deepest sympathies to the family.
One of the BEST. I had the pleasure of working with Duane and to watch him teach middle school students was incredible.
I remember Dr. Keown for his kindness, patience, generosity, and his love of the natural world. I remember his twinkling eyes and his tireless efforts on behalf of the science club: how we sold nachos from his science room to fund these trips. While I (sadly) can’t remember what I learned in his class, I remember how he made me feel: valued and accepted. I also remember our Prep science club trips, which were fun, challenging and enriching. I too teach middle school science, and was happy to be e to share this with Dr. Keown at our Prep reunion picnic in 2009. This quote from Maya Angelou sums it up: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” Condolences to all of Dr. Keown’s family and friends.”
I am saddened to hear that Duane has passed. I hope he and Wayne meet up in heaven’s great fishing lake and catch up on lots of stories and catch a few fish as well. I’ve enjoyed Duane over the years and we enjoyed many camping trips. Rest In Peace. ?. Donna Miller
Condolences to his whole family. I was a Prep kid who loved taking long science club trips, especially the scavenger hunts! I have taught my girls to love science and to get out into nature. Dr Keown will be missed, but will be remembered fondly. Reagan Johnson Vickich
Dr. Duane Keown filled me with a love of the natural world. I will always be grateful to him for his creative teaching and generous spirit. Sending my condolences to the family and all who loved him.
Dr. Keown influenced my life in immeasurable ways, and in turn, my children's lives, as I relate anecdotes and knowledge from this great man. I'll never forget the Science Club Trips during my days at Prep, they were the highlight of every year. His mark on this world will remain forever, and I consider myself so very lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from him. Big hugs to you, Julie, and all family and friends far and wide. Alanna (Coleen Hand) Coca
Though I never had the pleasure to meet my dear friend Beverly’s brother, I felt I knew Duane through Beverly’s love for him. She told me often of his many adventures throughout his life. Duane was indeed a man of rich accomplishments and lived his life to the fullest. My condolences to his family and all who knew and loved him.