Bob’s Blog

My long-time friend and co-worker, Duane Frazier, is leaving The Eagle after 26 years. He takes on a new job at Hawker-Beechcraft on Nov. 26. I just always assumed I would work with Duane _ we sit across from one another in the newsroom and have for many years _ until I retired.

Duane is one of the best people I have ever known and he does a fantastic job covering high schools and motor sports. He is organized beyond belief and has poured himself into his job for a long, long time. But, more important to me, is his friendship. Going into the office day after day is not the easiest assignment for me these days. But knowing Duane was going to be there with his great wit and humor made it easier.

Plus, Duane has an uncanny ability to remember places, dates and times better than almost anyone I know. He can tell me about stories I have written that I have absolutely no recollection of. He knows where I was, and what I was covering, more accurately than I do. He’s just that way.

Duane is a great family man who likes to stay away from the spotlight. He’s unassuming _ I’m sure there are people in our newsroom who do not know who he is. But those of us who work with him closely know and cherish his friendship and depend on him to make The Eagle a better place to work.

I will miss Duane tremendously, but I am also happy that he found this opportunity. He will do a wonderful job for Hawker Beechcraft and become as important to the people he works with there as he has been to those of us who have been fortunate enough to work with him at The Eagle.