John Wayne Duke

John Wayne Duke left his family on May 14, 2020, aged 41 years. John’s life was full and brightly colored with a broad range of experiences and people. Those who knew John saw his quick wit and fun loving nature. He always found the humor in situations and joy in dark places. Always serene and graceful, he was accepting, supportive and encouraging to everyone. He enjoyed his life and work, his family and friends.
John’s parents named him for his paternal grandfather and uncle but we all loved that he was also named for Hollywood legend John Wayne “The Duke”
John graduated from Woods Cross High School and served as a missionary for the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, in the Santiago Chile mission. He traveled to many places with family or friends. He learned to scuba dive and enjoyed cruises. He loved to camp and hike and shoot. He loved spending time with his family, friends and enjoying life in the moment. He delighted in many genres of music and movies and had a passion for technology. John loved to try new recipes and cook and bake. His banana bread and peanut butter bars were legendary.
Always quick with a humorous remark or look, everyone could count on John for laughter. He loved spending time with his nieces and nephews and they began referring to him lovingly as Grandma John, after they lost their beloved grandmother. Slow to anger and quick to forgive. Inclusive and encouraging. Supportive and grateful. John’s life shines as one of happiness, contentment and love.
When John was an infant, he contracted spinal meningitis, a serious illness he recovered from fully despite it’s high fatality or damage to most who suffer from it. As an adult John was diagnosed with leukemia and was treated at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. His care was phenomenal and he dug in and fought valiantly against his illness. He received a bone marrow transplant and was in remission. Complications while in remission proved a relentless enemy. Even in the end, John was lucid and loving, serene and peaceful. While we are the poorer for not having him nearby, we relish and honor his kindness, compassion, and humor.
John’s life was a monument to serene satisfaction. John’s life was full of love and laughter. John’s ability to find joy despite facing overwhelming illness reminds us to love unconditionally, never be embarrassed, show gratitude, be fearless, and always speak your love with those who matter to you. Be peaceful with the time given to you and love always. Be peaceful and present in your now. Always love.
John is survived by his father B. Cal Duke (Deanna), sister Tamara Portnoy (Robert), sister Lori Sparks (Kelly), brother Robert Duke (Shuhui) and brother Michael Duke (Marlene) as well as nieces and nephews Ashley (Seth), Cody (Anna), Kyle, Dana, Alyssa, Asia and Izzymay. He is preceded in death by his loving mother Jolene Duke.
While we know how many people are impacted by this terrible loss and we want to honor their desire to be close to John and his family at this time, world circumstance has led us to choose an immediate family only service. Please respect our decision and honor John’s life by joining us online for the streaming of his service.  Please do not come to the gravesite during the service but please visit another day to pay your respects to John.
Instructions for joining the service using zoom
1. Joining by computer
a. Go to zoom.us in any internet browser
b. Click “join meeting”
c. Enter the meeting id – 8012981564
d. A box will open saying “https://zoom.us wants to open this application”. Click “open zoom”
e. Click “Join with Computer Audio”
f. Click “Mute” in the bottom left hand corner so that your audio does not interrupt the funeral services
2. Joining by phone or iPad
a. Download the Zoom app
b. Open the app and select “join a meeting”
c. Enter the meeting id – 8012981564
d. Select “join without video”
e. Select “Call using internet audio”
f. Select “mute” in the bottom left hand corner so that your audio does not interrupt the funeral services.