ARLINGTON – Dwayne Lane, founder of the car dealership that now has six locations locally, died on St. Patrick’s Day, which was one of his favorite holidays.

A company news release says Lane enjoyed his final day visiting with friends and spent the evening at home with his wife, Rosemary, watching the Gonzaga Bulldogs win in the first round of the March Madness College Basketball Tournament.

“While we are deeply saddened by his death we rejoice in knowing that Dwayne lived each day to the fullest. He loved God, family, friends, employees and his horses and worked hard to build Dwayne Lane’s Auto Family to the great company it is today”, company president and son Tom Lane said.

Lane entered the auto business in 1954 as a lot attendant working for Walsh Platt Motors. He worked his way up through the ranks and became a partner with Harold Walsh and Frank Platt in 1966.

In 1972 he became the sole owner of the company. Lane retired in 1998, and Tom Lane was named president. Dwayne Lane’s Auto Family has grown to six locations, including Island Crossing in Arlington.

Lane was active in the community through volunteerism and philanthropic support.

Along with his wife, he is survived by children Monica, Colleen, MaryKay, Peter and Thomas; 15 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are pending.