M. Duane Fay

TROY - M. Duane Fay, Age 81 of Columbia Cross Roads passed away at home on July 22, 2011 surrounded by his very loving family. Duane was born on August 4, 1929 to the late Howard and Marjorie (Smith) Fay at their home. Duane graduated from Troy High School in 1947, married his high school sweetheart, Anita J. Page, on April 23, 1949 happily married for 62 years, and blessed with five children. Duane farmed Fay’s Dairy and Maple Farm and was also a carpenter by trade. He along with his family produced and supplied maple products from this farm, which Duane’s father started in 1937. At present this farm is being run by third and forth generations. Duane was a lifetime member of the Faith Community United Methodist Church where he served on the Ad Council, was a trustee and snag in the choir. He was a charter member of the Big Pond Lions Club for 59 years serving in the capacity of all offices. Duane with the assistance of the Big Pond Lions Club and his family put on “Pancake Days” each spring for the last 25 years to help raise money for this local charity. During his years of service to the Lions Club he received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award in 1991, which is the highest award given in Lionism and also received the Presidential Award in 1983 which is the second highest award given in Lionism. He helped sponsor new lions members, was Key Award Member, Club Committee Chairman for his club, served on Sight Conservation Committee, Lions Coordinator between the Lions and Boy Scouts, Lions Softball Tournament Chairman, Chairman of the Fish Fry Project for his club, Chairman of Lake Ondawa Dances, organized and chaired the Lions and Ridgebury Fireman’s Bingo, was instrumental in a lease agreement at Lake Ondawa for the ball park and picnic pavilion, end man in the Big Pond Minstrel Show. He was also District Chairman, Zone Chairman, Deputy District Governor, and Leader Dog Chairman from 1975 for many years. He has collected well over $50,000.00 plus to date for the Leader Dog for the Blind Program and started the puppy program in Bradford County, organized a Leader Dog Bowling Tournament in Troy, PA, every year had a special trophy made for the largest contributor made to the Leader Dog for the Blind Program from District 14-G as well as assisted the Wells-Jackson club to organize a public fish fry. Duane also served as a director of the Endless Mountain Maple Association. There were several civic committees and local associations of which Duane was an active member. He was always available to assist those in need through different organizations in his community of just lend a helping neighborly hand when needed. Duane was a constant loving support to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren looking forward to being in all aspect of their lives when possible. Duane is survived by his loving wife Anita J. (Page) Fay of Columbia Cross Roads, children, Brenda (Dale) Wooster of Troy, PA, Gregory (Mary) Fay of Columbia Cross Roads, PA, Douglas (Cindy) Fay of Columbia Cross Roads, PA, Maureen (David) Hanson of Granbury Texas and Diana (Mark) Adams of Granbury, Texas. Duane was also blessed with 15 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Duane was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Marjorie Fay, sister, Betty Jean Fay, brothers, Merwin Fay, Gaylord Fay and Bryce Fay. Family and friends are invited to call Monday, July 25, 2011 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at the Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. 110 West Main Street, Troy, PA. Duane’s funeral service will be held 11 AM, Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at the Faith Community United Methodist Church, Big Pond, PA with Reverend Richard Noggle officiating. Interment will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Big Pond, PA. In lieu of flowers memorials in Duane’s name may be sent to, Faith Community United Methodist Church, c/o Mary Soper, 2747 Big Pond Road, Columbia Cross Roads, PA 16914 or to the Leader Dog For the Blind, Big Pond Lions Club, c/o Larue Austin, 2736 Big Pond Road, Columbia Cross Roads, PA 16914. Send condolences to BestLifeTributes.com. Running Sayre Morning Times, Towanda Daily Review, Canton & Troy Papers.