Duane Leslie Flint

Duane Leslie Flint died April 2, 2015 peacefully and surrounded by family after a brief illness. Duane, 85, was born in Cedaredge, Colorado to parents Charles and Nellie (Turner). He was preceded in death by older brother Donald and is survived by younger twin siblings Bronson and Barbara. Their childhood was spent in Colorado, California and Washington where they enjoyed school and sports. Duane was an intelligent and athletic, yet quiet and unassuming man. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Washington State College (which became WSU). During the Korean War he served as a radar maintenance officer in the US Air Force, but spent most of his military duty at U.S. radar stations in Japan since the armistice was signed while Duane was en route to Korea. Upon his return to the U.S., Duane earned a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois. The reason for studying for a Ph.D., he claimed, was that he couldn't remember what he'd learned previously. In 1960 he began a 30 year career at Union Oil Company's Research Center in Brea, California. There he met Carmen Montao Martinet who was a research chemist in the technical library. Duane and Carmen married in 1964, and were together 48 years until Carmen's death in 2013. Duane and Carmen had two sons, Carl and Eric. Duane was a beloved husband and father who enjoyed camping trips to the Sierra Nevada, family visits in Oregon and Washington, tinkering with electronics neither his wife nor boys could understand, fixing motorcycles in his own unique aesthetic, and watching his sons play sports. Duane spent his entire career at Unocal until his retirement in 1990. There Duane was known for his knowledge of pilot catalytic reactors, the use of the PC before it was so commonplace, and a laconic communication style. During his retirement he enjoyed running, biking, golfing, modifying gadgets, photography, archiving family photos, genealogy, going to classical concerts, and eating Carmen's cooking. Duane was thrilled when granddaughters Erica and Antonia were born to Eric and wife Andrea and loved being in their presence. After Carmen's death, Duane was lovingly looked after by son Carl and his wife Elizabeth. Almost to the end, he was fortunate enough to enjoy his daily six mile bike ride, weekly round of golf, granddaughters' soccer and road trips to visit family. He was a generous, kind and loving soul who will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Vitas Hospice, VITAS Community Connection, 255 E. Fifth St., Suite 2600, Cincinnati,OH 45202, (888) 232-6111, Orange County Rescue Mission,One Hope Drive,Tustin, CA 92782-9909, or a charity of your choice.