Duane, one of my fondest memories of you was when Dennis and I were riding on this little track we made in Union City, Dennis had mentioned earlier that you might show up. Dennis and I were racing around the track (I was racing, Den was just playin) I was just entering a turn then out of the blue a front tire was stuffed under my leg and on the frame of my bike. it scared the holy bejesus out of me then I looked up and saw your smiling face and that familiar grin under your visor. The rest of the day you kept just on the outside of me pushing me tighter and tighter and faster and faster. You will never know what I learned that day with You and Dennis pushing me to the limits of my abilities and teaching me the trust that goes along with racing motorcycles. I will miss You my friend and may You rest (race)in peace. 15D forever!! Steve Graves
Posted by: Steve Graves Douglass Flat, CA - Friend/Student/Admirer   Dec 11, 2009

Gramps was a heck of a guy and one of the toughest I have ever known. I can remember about 25 years ago me loading and unloading his bike and then starting it for him because he wanted to get some seat time before his broken back had healed. He could ride it but he couldn't start it! If you want to know Gramps, check out Robert Duvall in Second Hand Lions. Different story but the same kind of man, with the same outlook on life. I had the chance to introduce my girlfriend (now wife) Laura to him last year. He wanted to know how we met. I told him I play guitar in a band weekends and Laura was a dancer. He thought I meant Laura was a stripper but he never batted an eye and went on talking to her. Somehow it came out what he thought and we had a good laugh about it. With life as with his racing Gramps never shut off until he was in deep. He will be missed.
Posted by: Rob Spence Idaho Falls, ID   Nov 27, 2009

My Grandpa Duane was someone who i looked up to ever since i was young and used to see all those motorcycles in his garage.He had a great since of humor and if i live to have half the fun he had in life id be a lucky man....Larry Spence
Posted by: Larry Spence    Nov 20, 2009

Duane Spence... I wasn't a big part in his life, but he holds a dear and special part in my life. As a rookie carpenter I worked with Duane & Dennis in Fremont. Duane always had patients and wisdom and humor with me and was always giving. When I was racing rough scrambles in the mid 70s particularly at Sand Hill Ranch, Duane told me to ride 2 classes. Since I only had 1 mortocycle, he selflessly offered one of his to ride. I think the 3 times I rode his Can Am I won on it. I hung on his every word, and he gave much praise & encouragement. He was a leader and lead by example. His person is gone but his memory lives on for eturnity. Im sure Duane will be a Black Place number in the flat track & motocross tracks of Heaven.
Posted by: monte gennai gold beach, OR   Nov 15, 2009

My Grandpa will be missed he was a great man! All my Love!
Posted by: Kim Aparicio Brentwood, CA   Nov 13, 2009

My Grandpa was a great man. I value the relationship that he had with my dad Dennis Spence. My Grandpa was known very well for his excellent riding skills! He will be truly missed. I hope that he is in peace.
Posted by: Kim Aparicio Brentwood, CA   Nov 13, 2009

Going to miss the helping hand that he always had to offer.
Posted by: Dennis Spence Visalia, CA   Nov 11, 2009

"What a ride"
Posted by: Dennis Spence Visalia, CA   Nov 11, 2009

He always had a helping hand when I needed it. He was a great friend and dad I'll miss talking to him every day on the phone.
Posted by: Dennis Spence Visalia, CA   Nov 11, 2009

So sorry for your loss, we'll all miss Duane.This is the best of the few pics that I have. John White
Posted by: John White Stockton, CA   Nov 10, 2009