Duane Cecil Gilkey

Today we celebrate the remarkable life of Duane Gilkey-a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, attorney, coach, mentor, and friend. 

Duane was born on January 21, 1936, and passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026. During his 90 years, he exemplified integrity, wisdom, humility, and unwavering love for those around him. While his accomplishments were many, the measure of his life was never found in awards or titles, but in the countless lives he touched. 

For nearly 70 years, Duane shared an extraordinary marriage with the love of his life, Janet. Together they built a family grounded in love, faith, perseverance, and commitment. He was a proud father to Lori Mons, Jennifer Gilkey, and Jeffrey Gilkey, and he carried in his heart every day the memory of his beloved daughter, Linda Gilkey, whose passing in 2007 left a space that was never filled. He missed Linda deeply, and the thought of their reunion brings comfort to all who loved him. 

Duane's family continued to grow through his cherished grandchildren-Jonathan Gilkey, Sara Gilkey, Sydney Hanz, Jordan Mayhew, Kenny Mons, and Jess Mons-and his children-in-law, Mike Mons, Cody Hanz, Susie Gilkey, and Sara Wall. Nothing brought him greater joy than watching his family grow to include his great-grandchildren, Leland, Julian, Stetson, and Dakota. Every one of them was a source of immense pride, and each carries a part of his legacy forward. He is also survived by his brother, Harold Gilkey, and Harold's wife, Priscilla Gilkey. 

Education and service defined much of Duane's professional life. After graduating from the University of Montana, he earned his law degree from Harvard Law School, an achievement that reflected both his intelligence and determination. He practiced law with a well known Albuquerque law firm before fulfilling another dream by opening his own law practice with Barbara Stephenson. He built a reputation for honesty, fairness, and professionalism, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike. 

Yet if you asked most people how they knew Duane, many would answer with a smile: "Coach." 

For more than twenty years, he devoted himself to coaching baseball. He taught far more than how to throw a curveball or turn a double play. He taught young people discipline, teamwork, accountability, resilience, and character. He believed baseball mirrored life-that success comes from preparation, perseverance, and doing the little things right. Long after the games ended, the lessons remained. Generations of players proudly knew him simply as "Coach," a title he wore with greater pride than any professional accomplishment. 

Away from work and the ballfield, Duane found peace on a fly-fishing stream, joy on a golf course, and happiness wherever his family gathered. He treasured countless rounds of golf and evenings spent at the Albuquerque Country Club with friends and family. Whether standing in a quiet river with a fly rod in hand or laughing around a dinner table surrounded by his wife, daughters and son, those were the moments that filled his heart. 

Perhaps the greatest lesson Duane leaves us is how to live a meaningful life. He showed us that success is measured not by what we accumulate but by how we treat people. He believed in hard work, loyalty, kindness, and keeping your word. He led by example, rarely asking others to do something he wouldn't do himself. 

His legacy is written in every life he influenced: the clients he served, the players he coached, the friends he cherished, and the family he loved so deeply. His wisdom will continue to guide us. His stories will continue to make us laugh. His values will continue to shape future generations. 

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, they are also filled with gratitude. We were blessed beyond measure to know him, to learn from him, and to love him. 

Coach, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Husband, Friend-thank you for showing us what a life well lived looks like. 

Your game was well played. Your race was run with grace. Your legacy will endure for generations, living on in the family you loved, the people you mentored, and the countless hearts you touched. 

Duane C. Gilkey will forever be loved, forever be missed, and forever be remembered.

There will be a Celebration of Life held September 20th, 2026 from 2:00pm-4:00pm at the Albuquerque Country Club. Friends and Family are warmly welcomed to attend.