DUANE

By Marty Rice
Welding Instructor
Dale Jackson Career Center
Lewisville, Texas

I met Duane at an AWS meeting. What a great night that was! He and Ernest Levert, the incoming president of the AWS, gave outstanding presentations on how important a good attitude is in the welding industry.

Before Duane started, he walked around the room, looked each of us in the eyes, and asked loudly, "Do you know that your weld is your signature?" I immediately made a mental note to steal that phrase for my students. (Giving him credit of course.)

After the meeting, I introduced myself to him and told him how much I enjoyed his opening. I make a point of talking to the speaker no matter where I am. It amazes me how many people just get up and leave after someone has given his or her time to make a presentation. It's a great networking tool and I would advise all the young welders out there to not be shy in a similar situation, but instead to go up and introduce themselves. It's a great way to make friends and business acquaintances.

As soon as I told Duane I was in the Iron Workers Union, he got a big ol' smile on his face.

"An Iron Head huh?" he asked. "Why I have a million stories about Iron Workers!"

He told me of going into a hostile environment as a Pipe Fitter, assigned to teach a class of Iron Workers about a nuclear code up in Pittsburgh. The welders in the Iron Workers Union didn't care much for the idea of a Pipe Fitter telling them how to weld! But after the first class they warmed right up to ol' Duane, after seeing him in action. (I believe he also mentioned something about buying them a few rounds of beer!)

Welding suffered a great loss with the passing of Duane McLaughlin last October. His expertise and wisdom will be sorely missed by all of us who knew him. Most of all, I will miss the enthusiasm he displayed every time I saw him. He loved the welding trade, and boy did it ever show.

Duane McLaughlin was the type of guy who'd give you the shirt off of his back if you needed it. I'm proud to have met Duane and thankful for all the "old timers" out there who have helped me by sharing their wisdom and advice. I can only hope to do the same and leave a legacy like his.