Defined by his work ethic, he worked 12-hour days for more than two decades until Brad Erickson, a relief pharmacist, stepped in to cover the job on Saturdays. Erickson still works there today, said Jodi Beyer, current owner.
Vad's love for the work first began in his hometown of Thief River Falls, Minn., where he did a number of odd jobs at a pharmacy as a young boy. After he arrived here, first at Corner Drug and Miller Drug, Wahpeton, in the late 50s, he built a loyal following and never grew tired of asking about the drugstore, said Beyer. Even after he retired in 2001, he kept up his license - a symbol of his passion for the work.
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In fact, Vad had other familial aspects to him, too. Children of customers and coworkers would gravitate toward him because of his warm, kind demeanor, and he was always genuinely interested in their lives, she said. He approached life and business with an emphasis on honesty, said his wife, Jayne, and his three children have absorbed that knowledge. The couple were married 43 years.
"All the kids have really learned just how to be a good, honest person because of him," she said.
During high school, Vad grew active in sports until he was mistakenly diagnosed with Guillaine-Barre Syndrome. Later, he was correctly diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, a rare neurological disorder that initially left him paralyzed from the chest down.
The lower part of his legs never quite recovered and the ailment led to leg braces later in life. Never one to complain, Vad's attitude toward the disorder characterized a man many grew to love.
"He never dwelled on that. That wasn't Duane - you just kept on doing," said Pat Stern, whose husband, Lester, was a longtime friend of Vad's.
Active in the community, Vad was involved in the Elks Club for nearly 50 years, eventually reaching Exalted Ruler, its highest rank. He was also involved in the Lions Club, Jaycees and volunteered at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Breckenridge, where he was a member for 43 years and served as trustee there.
Barb Smith, former St. Mary's trustee, said he was one who cared about his community, his church and his family.
"He didn't pick sides - he was very much a mediator," she said.
According to Beyer, many will cherish Vad's memory for years to come. At Breckenridge Drug, a sweater of his - one that he refused to take home and left there once he sold the place - will remain. On Feb. 5, the drugstore celebrated its ninth anniversary, a unique number for all.
"It was a special day for us and Duane," said Beyer. "We kind of looked at it like our life here at the drugstore and his beginning of retirement."
Mari K. Hughes wrote on Feb 27, 2010 8:15 PM: