Duane Lee Ezzell's Obituary
Duane Lee Ezzell “Big D”
It is with great sadness we are announcing that Duane Ezzell passed away May 23, 2021, from Pancreatic
Cancer. Duane was born in Vancouver, WA December 9, 1962, to his father Bill Ezzell and his mother
Barbara Ezzell. Duane moved with his family to St. Helens, OR in the 5th grade. It was while in St. Helens
that his sister Jill remembers him excelling in all things “shop class” related: wood shop, metal shop and
automotive shop. In high school, he bought a distinctive cherry red VW Baja Bug that was the pride and
joy of his teenage years. He became an expert in dismantling cars and putting them back together again.
His love and expertise with the Baja Bug continued into his adulthood where he worked on pit crews for
friends in the Baja 1000 Off-Road Motorsport Races along with Score San Felipe 250 for several years,
and even went to a race just a month prior to his passing. Being a part Motorsport Racing was more
than a hobby for Duane, they were a family, and Mexico was his home away from home!
Duane lived and loved large; he had the biggest heart of anyone we have known. You would be hard
pressed to find someone who did not absolutely love Big “D” within minutes of meeting him. He was
always up for a good outdoor adventure, wherever it took him! Duane enjoyed snowmobiling, skiing in
the mountains, driving 4x4 on the beach or in the desert, rafting the whitewater, or just boating on the
river, it did not really matter as long as he had good friends to share it with. Duane loved a good party
and wherever the party was, rest assured Big D was in the middle of it, and the last to leave. Above all
he loved God and family. Duane was always there! Every Christmas gathering, Easter, wedding, birthday,
graduation, funeral, any, and every family get together, no matter when or where, he made it a priority.
Which as his brother Jeff said, “I am just now realizing the empty void that is going to be left in our next
gathering”.
Duane was always willing to lend a hand. He enjoyed his involvement and membership with his local
Elks. He was a pillar in the boating community and a member of the ST. Helens Yacht Club. He was
always involved with the Fireworks for the 4th of July along with several other community functions. He
was the kindest man you would ever meet. Duane was only married once to Ronda Sigler in the late
1980’s. He took an active role parenting Brandi Kneeland and Brandon Lasich who became the true
pride and joy of his life. He cherished his grandchildren and all the adventures that they had over the
years boating, fishing, and camping. He continued that role until the day he died. Duane was an
incredible father and papa to his grandkids. He loved them whole heartedly.
Duane is survived by his beloved children Brandi Kneeland (husband Matt), Brandon, Four grandchildren
(Jordan, Dylan, Araina, and Lexi). Siblings: Jim Ezzell (wife, Tecia) Jeff Ezzell (wife, Sarai), and Jill “Ezzell”
Bennett (husband, Ed).
A Celebration of Life will be held in St. Helens at The Elks Lodge June 26, 2021, at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers we are asking if you would instead share any memories or stories, you may have had
with Duane. If you would like to share pictures or memories, please email them to
[email protected]. We will be sharing some at the memorial. Duane would want us to
remember all the good times. We will all miss his laugh, amazing smile, and so much more! Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Duane?
What’s a lesson you learned from Duane?
Share a story where Duane's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Duane you’ll never forget.
How did Duane make you smile?