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Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Duane, beloved father,
grandfather, brother and friend, who departed this life on April 17, 2025 at the age of 69.
Born on October 14,1955, Mick lived a life shaped by craftsmanship, curiosity and care
for those he loved. A skilled carpenter and dedicated high school teacher, he spent his
days building and crafting- not only kitchens, bathrooms and furniture but also young
minds, strong values and lasting memories.
 

Michael started out after high school working at McLouth Steel in Trenton as a laborer.
But being a Duane, he later moved into carpentry and woodworking. For many years,
he built and installed beautiful kitchens and bathrooms. Later, his son Corey joined him
in the trade and he passed on his skills and knowledge as they worked alongside each
other for many years together. Finally, one day Mick decided he needed a retirement
plan and he thought teaching would be a good next step, to pass on his love of
carpentry, so he enrolled at Eastern Michigan University. While there he joined the
Astronomy Club, made some friends and graduated in December 2007 with his
Bachelors in Education. He was 52 years old. He was hired at Jackson High School and
taught Woodshop I and II. Skilled as he was, the school asked him to design curriculum
for Home Improvement I and II, which he did and taught those as well. He commuted
from Taylor to Jackson, an hour each way, for many years where he learned as much
from his students as they did from him. He shared countless stories about the diverse
student population, their struggles and their accomplishments.
 

Aside from work, Mick had many interests. He found joy on the water, sailing his boat
“The Black Swan” when he was younger. Trips around the Detroit Lighthouse, to Put-In-
Bay and beyond. One year, thanks to an outstanding crew, he even managed to win the
coveted Flossy Cup. Another love that brought him happiness was racing. He loved
watching Nascar, even attended the Daytona 500 once. But nothing brought him more
happiness than watching his son Corey race at Flat Rock Speedway. On Saturday
nights, you could find him in the pits, talking everyone’s ear off and cheering for his
favorite driver.
 

Mick also loved visiting family and friends. He made the rounds visiting everyone,
keeping up with their projects while working on his own. His good friend since
childhood, Keith, always had a project going and he loved stopping by his shop often.
Other times, he would visit with Candace, always bringing something educational for
Alexis to check out and if the weather was nice- steaks for the grill because Adrian
grilled them perfectly he said. He also made many trips up to spend time with his sister,
Ann Marie and her husband Jerry. So many crafts, conversations and meals. He loved
the countless fun times, birthdays and holidays that were spent with them and their boys
Joshua, Matthew and Shaun. Mick also made time to keep in touch with his older
brother Denny and his wife Cherie, in California. Long distance phone calls about any
and everything but almost always about dogs. Mick loved his dog. Sammy, a big
German Shepherd, his constant companion, always there for him.
 

Above all, Mick loved his family. He took immense pride in being a father and especially
cherished his role as a grandfather. His four grandchildren were the lights of his life,
frequent partners in woodworking projects and weekend adventures. Whether they were
building a treehouse, having a campfire, stargazing or talking about life, time with Papa
was always filled with warmth, laughter and learning. This was especially true for
Savannah, as she held a very special place in his heart. He beamed with pride
whenever he talked about her, her dreams and accomplishments.
 

Mick is survived by his children Candace (& Adrian) and Corey (& Lindsay), his four
grandchildren Savannah, Tyler, Tiffany and Alexis, his siblings Gary, Dennis (& Cherie),
Ann Marie (& Jerry), Michelle and his good boy Sammy. He is preceded in death by his
parents Gerald and Margaret Duane.
 

Mick’s memory will live on in every hand-crafted gift, special furniture he made for
family, every student he inspired and every smile he brought to the faces of those he
loved. Much like his own mother, no matter what life brought, he always managed to
keep a smile on his face and a positive outlook. He will be deeply missed but never
forgotten.
 

A celebration of Mick’s life will be held from 3-6pm on Saturday April 26 at Michigan
Memorial Funeral Home, Flat Rock, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you perform an act
of kindness in his honor or consider making a donation to shatterproof.org.