Memorial Service Speech

Written by John Walczak

How can one describe a friendship that lasted fifty years?  That's five decades, or half a century!  Never had an argument or a falling out and caring so much about each other.  There was nothing Chris wouldn't do for me or I wouldn't do for him, always supporting each other's decisions and always helping each other as much as we could.

I think maybe we became such good friends as we both shared a lousy childhood and were considered "loners" at school, I think Chris felt sorry for me and "took me under his wing," teaching me things that my own father and brother never would.  He felt guilty he never was called upon to serve in the military, while I told him to thank his lucky stars he never had to go!

We both shared a love for cars and that led us into auto racing when I got out of the Army.  Sometimes that was very aggravating but it was also a lot of fun.  Chris was the mechanic and spent a lot of time keeping two cars competitive at the same time.  I could do the work if Chris was there to tell me what to do and how to do it.  I would never have had the success I enjoyed in racing without his help.

In 1973 Chris was the best man at my wedding to Shelly.  If you knew Chris it wouldn't surprise you that he made me an hour late for the ceremony!  I never doubted that we would make it but my in-laws weren't very happy by the time we got there.

We watched our families grow up together, took trips together, shared our successes and disappointments together.  Finally, I watched helplessly as he fought off his cancer for the last five years, unable to help.  When the end came, I was with him and wept openly for I will never have as good a friend again.  I miss him so much I can't explain, I had to ask to have this read at the memorial because I am too emotional to speak it but none the less, you know it is from my heart.

Read at the memorial service by Bill Williamson

Photographs from Chris' Life

	Subject:  Chris Ducey in his stock car View photo of Chris Ducey in his stock car - 3,287KB
	Subject:  Chris Ducey in his 1954 Ford Crestline Sunliner Photographer:  Bill Crittenden Event:  2009 FITE Center for Independent Living Car Show View photo of 1954 Ford Crestline Sunliner - 3,287KB
	Subject:  Chris Ducey in his 1954 Ford Crestline Sunliner Photographer:  Bill Crittenden Event:  2009 FITE Center for Independent Living Car Show View photo of 1954 Ford Crestline Sunliner - 3,132KB
	Subject:  Chris Ducey's 1954 Ford Crestline Sunliner on a birthday cake Photographer:  Bill Crittenden Date:  July 2012 View photo of 1954 Ford Crestline Sunliner Birthday Cake - 3.5MB
	Subject:  Chris Ducey's 1954 Ford Crestline Sunliner Photographer:  Bill Crittenden Event:  2007 Buss Ford Car Show View photo of 1954 Ford Crestline Sunliner - 1,625KB

Images from Chris' Memorial Service

	Designer:  Bill Crittenden View photo of Chris Ducey Ford Logo - 246KB
	Photographer:  Bill Crittenden Location:  Colonial Funeral Home, McHenry View photo of Chris Ducey Memorial Service - 408KB
	Photographer:  Bill Crittenden Location:  Colonial Funeral Home, McHenry View photo of Chris Ducey Memorial Service - 453B
	Photographer:  Bill Crittenden Location:  Colonial Funeral Home, McHenry View photo of Chris Ducey Memorial Service - 564KB
	Photographer:  Bill Crittenden Location:  Colonial Funeral Home, McHenry View photo of Chris Ducey Memorial Service - 530KB

Article Index

Date	Article	Details
31 October 2012	Christopher Ducey Christopher had worked for Jepsen Tire Company and Crystal Lake Tire and Battery. He belonged to CAATS (Centerville Antique Auto Touring Society).	Obituary (text) Publisher: Northwest Herald Dateline: McHenry, Illinois Topic: Chris Ducey