And in the same Mr. Cook class, Duane and I had to sing a duet together. I hoped he could carry me since I am unable to sing, but, alas, he was just as inept as me. Fortunately, about half way through our song Cook said that we would just sit down and be quiet, we would get a C! Whew!

Neil,I remember that incident very well.  Mr. Cook was indeed, imposing and could scare anyone.  I think Duane had a good time with his last name all of his life.  I was one of the people that shouted out that his name was "Duane Gess".  Sorry to hear that he is no longer with us.

When I think of Duane, I have one wonderful story that I have repeated to anyone who would listen.  We were early in the year in Mr. Cook's 9th grade chorus class when Mr. Cook was late and the boy's were acting up.  Mr. Cook suddenly appeared but Duane's back was to him.  We all scrambled to our seats when the imposing figure of Mr. Cook loomed over Duane and asked him, "What is your name?"  Duane shaken and cowering said, "Gess".  Mr Cook roared, "What is your name"?  Softer and further into his seat he said quietly, "Gess".  By now Mr. Cook was enraged until someone in the back said, "His name is Duane Gess".  Mr. Cook righted himself and calmly said to Duane, "Young man for what you are thinking, you could be expelled".  I'll miss you at the reunion but you will live on in MY memory.Neill