With Deep Sorrow, We Announce The Passing Of Duane Wright – Inside Sales Rep. After A Long Illness
Autoquip mourns the loss of one of our cherished coworkers, Duane Wright. Duane passed away this Sunday from a long battle with an illness. Duane started with Autoquip 5 years ago in our customer service department before moving into inside sales. He was a devoted Autoquip employee, and when he was not able to work in the office, he was determined to keep his commitment to his job and carried on working from home. He gave energy, commitment, and inspiration to all who he worked with.
We are fortunate to have been able to work with Duane over the last few years. He was not only a great team member, but he always made us laugh with his quick and dry sense of humor. He found the ironic in everyday encounters and brought it to life with a funny tale. Duane’s outgoing personality and talents will be sorely missed at our company.
Today we honor Duane by profoundly feeling and expressing our loss, but also by remembering what an amazing person he was and the impact he had on all our lives.
Tributes from Autoquip Employees:
“Duane was a warrior. He would stand up for what was right. He would stand up for the people he loved. Even in the dark days, he did all that was possible to live his life fully. Duane will be missed. Rest in peace,” Robin Clary, Customer Service Rep.
“What I’ll always remember about Duane is his “can do positive attitude”. He exemplified this trait in his professional and personal life during good times and bad. RIP, you’ll be missed my friend,” Larry Holden, Regional Sales Manager.
“A man of true character, Duane NEVER complained about his illness. I can only imagine the physical and mental anguish he endured. A best friend calls and checks on his best friend just to see how I was doing after my family loss many times and offered if there was anything I needed to let him know. I will always cherish our friendship and carry a deep seeded respect for this wonderful person and friend. Only comfort is knowing he is not suffering anymore and is in a good place on his next journey,” Donnie Crabtree, Inside Sales Rep.
Duane was such a pleasure to work with. His stature made it seem like he would be a gruff of a person, but instead he was a gentle giant that made us all laugh with his stories. He was so devoted to his family and showed so much pride in them. He always wanted to share family photos with us. He called me “sis” which made me feel connected to him in a way, not just a co-worker,” Julie Rice, Marketing Manager.
“Duane was a great help when I first started at Autoquip and he will be dearly missed,” Paul Stout, Regional Sales Manager.
“I remember the first time I met Duane during his interview. Duane hit me right away as a man with a strong belief for doing things right the first time. He always had time for anyone and when given a task to do, it was done right away and was done correctly. Nothing got in the way of Duane doing his job. Duane always talked about his love for his family, and in later years every time you talked with him it was all about his grandkids. Duane worked remotely at home for Autoquip the last 2 years and always performed his work duties. Along with being dedicated to his job and family, he was also a joker and real quick with very smart comebacks – all while still being kind hearted deep down. Duane will leave a hole in the Autoquip organization and will be missed greatly,” Kenneth Wilkinson, Specials Estimator.