The Legacy of Duane Harte – Community leader dies unexpectedly at age 68

 At the age of 68, longtime Santa Clarita Valley resident and community leader Duane R. Harte died on Sunday, November 22, 2015 from an unexpected heart attack.
For as long as this community had known Duane, his life had been defined by selfless service and endless passion.  In 1974, Duane first settled in the Santa Clarita Valley with his wife Pauline, raising two daughters, Donna and Denise, over the next 31 years.  In 1990, Duane retired as the Senior Chief Petty Officer from the US Naval Reserve after 23 years of service.  Outside of his work and family life, Duane volunteered his time and efforts to countless local organizations and committees, including: Friends of Mentryville, SCV Historical Society, SCV Veterans Memorial Committee, Past Chairman of the SCV Chamber of Commerce, SCV Committee on Aging, Founding President of the SCV Senior Center Charitable Foundation, Past Chairman of the Newhall Redevelopment Committee, SCV Historical Veterans Plaza Committee, Friends of the Libraries of the SCV, Canyon Theatre Guild Board of Directors, and the Vice-Chairman of the Santa Clarita Parade Committee.
Duane was also a 12-year volunteer for the Zonta Rent-a-Santa program, and served twice as Chair of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission.  In 2003, Duane was honored as SCV Man of the Year, a rightly awarded title.
About two months prior to Duane’s passing, I had the honor of interviewing him and the SCV Veterans Memorial Committee, on which he served as President. Duane was an honorable, humble and active community member, father, husband, grandfather, friend and veteran.  Most importantly, he was a leader in this community, working tirelessly to ensure a better future for every resident in the Santa Clarita Valley.
“He is the call-man and mediator,” said Sharon Ventrice during our interview, “and very committed to what he does on this committee.”
During the small amount of time I was fortunate enough to spend with Duane, I could see the love and passion he had for the Santa Clarita community.  When I asked him outside of the interview if he could ever imagine not being involved in the community, he smiled and laughed.  He said he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Prime Publications Inc., would like to express its deepest condolences to Duane’s family and friends, as well as to all of the individuals he has deeply touched and impacted. We will never forget Duane Harte and his exceptional dedication to the Santa Clarita Valley.  His work will be seen and remembered through the success of our community for generations to come.