Sad. His wife Deed used to spend time at the Gretsch Pages, when that still existed.
Yes, indeed. (pun intended)
She would post some of his original Christmas tunes each year, too. Not sure I can find any examples on-line, but if I do I'll link to 'em here.
I recall Duane & Deed being part of a small crew who visited a Gretsch Pages member nicknamed "Bear", who was ill and mostly confined to his home. Duane was one of Bear's musical idols . . . Bear was delighted that he got to play guitar with Duane that day. I thought that visit was quite a generous thing for Duane & Deed to do.
Consolations to Deed, and their family.
For those unfamiliar with Duane, here's a brief interview & a performance of one of his classic tunes, Rebel Rouser: