Ping Duenas

In 1962, Duenas became a founding member of the Guam Employees Federal Credit Union (GGEFCU).^[2] That year, Duenas and 18 other Guam government employees deposited a total of $250 USD to establish the new credit union.^[2] The GGEFCU has grown substantially in terms of assets since 1962.^[2]

Duenas served Guam as a public servant and politician for twenty-eight years. He worked in the Department of Administration as the auditor and chief accountant.^[2] He also served as the chairman of the board of the Guam Housing Corporation and the vice president of financial affairs for the University of Guam.^[2]

Duenas, a member of the Democratic Party, was elected as a Senator in the Guam Legislature, where he served from 1971 until 1978.^[2] While in the legislature, he became the minority leader of the 14th Guam Legislature.^[1] During this time, he wrote a series of monthly columns detailing pressing social and political problems facing the island.^[1]

Duenas became the chairman of the Democratic Party of Guam for three years during the 1980s.^[1] In 1990, Duenas unsuccessfully ran for Lt. Governor as the running mate of Madeleine Bordallo in the gubernatorial election.^[1][2] He also worked as the campaign treasurer for Guam Senator Frank Aguon Jr.^[2]

Ping Duenas was hospitalized in Guam Memorial Hospital for a week in August 2009.^[2] A decision was made to transport him to a medical facility in Anaheim, California, for medical treatment.^[2]

Duenas suffered a heart attack approximately an hour before the plane was scheduled to land in Anaheim on the flight from Hawaii on August 31, 2009.^[1][2] He died on the plane en route to Anaheim at the age of 78.^[2] His wife, Ling Duenas; son, Tommy; and brother, Dr. Vicente Duenas; were with him at the time.^[2]

Duenas' family informed the Speaker of the Guam Legislature, Judith Won Pat, that Duenas did not want a state funeral.^[2] His viewing and funeral mass were held at the Santa Barbara Catholic Church in Dededo. He was buried at the Guam Memorial Park in Barrigada.^[2]