Duane Arnold Van Pelt Jr.

Duane Arnold Van Pelt JR, “Zeke” passed from this life on his journey to the other side at the age of 55 on November 29, 2012 in Redding, Ca. Duane was born on January 3, 1957 in Eureka, Ca. to Gwen and Duane Van Pelt Sr. Duane was an enrolled member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe. Duane attended Hoopa Elementary and graduated Hoopa Valley high school in 1975. After high school Duane pursued many ventures. He moved to Eureka with his lifelong friend Delmer Rae Ferris and assisted him through the years; together they had many adventures. Duane enrolled in the Hoopa Valley Tribes first Carpenter’s Apprenticeship program where he became a journeyman carpenter through the carpenter’s union. Duane later went to work as a Law Enforcement Officer for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. He often traveled to other reservations. During one assignment in Palm Springs, Duane got to meet Sonny Bono, who was the mayor of Palm Springs. Duane worked the last years of his law enforcement career as a Fish Cop stationed in Klamath, Ca.. Duane was a lifelong resident of Hoopa, but more recently he went to stay in Alaska. Duane enjoyed his time in Alaska, and intended on returning. Duane found an interest in the traditional sweats. Duane enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He always lent a helping hand to anyone in need. Duane was a man who spoke from his heart, and was not afraid to say what was on his mind. Duane will be remembered by family and friends as a man of much wisdom, love and respect.

Duane is survived by his three daughters; Lila Van Pelt and Jayjay Reed, Natalie and Brandon Scott, and Stephanie Capoeman and Victor McCovey; his grandchildren Dawn and Kimora Latham, Jayden and Jacinda Reed, and Mark and Peyton Scott; his mother Gwen Van Pelt; his siblings Dwight “Corky” Van Pelt and Tainpewek Schwenk, Delores and Gene Bread of Tulsa, OK., and Deanna Van Pelt; his Uncle and Aunt Emmett and Eva Chase, Aunt and Uncle Berdina Otis Parker; and Aunt Linda Saxon; his nieces and nephews: Tsewinaldin, Gene, Richard Jr., Laurie, Lisa, Larissa, Vanessa, Naomi, Caprice, Mistche, Tsemeta, Dwight Jr., and numerous great nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins and friends.

Duane is preceded in death by his father Duane Van Pelt SR; his son Duane Van Pelt III; his granddaughter Lucile Latham; his maternal grandfather Leon Chase; his paternal grandparents Art and Elizabeth Van Pelt; his aunt Lucinda Chase; uncle Kendall Van Pelt and his best friend Delmer Rae Ferris.

There will be a visitation on December 6, 2012, from 3-7pm at Pierce Mortuary, 707 H Street, Eureka, California.

In honor of Duane’s request there will be no funeral service. Friends and Family are welcome for fellowship on Friday December 7, 2012 at 2:00 pm at the Church of the Mountains/Community Center in Hoopa, Ca.

To leave condolences and messages for the family please visit www.piercemortuarychapels.com Care is under the direction of Pierce Mortuary, Eureka, C