CHESTER DUNCAN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

CHESTER DUNCAN On March 31, 2002, in the Palliative Care Unit of the St. Boniface Hospital, Chester Duncan, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 88, having suffered a sudden stroke. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ada Margaret; daughter Alexe (Bill) sons Mark (Jill) and Laurie; and grandchildren Michael and Zoe. He also leaves to mourn many friends within both the academic and musical communities. Chester had a long, varied and extremely productive life. He was a Professor of English at the University of Manitoba for 36 years (1942-1978) and a recognized authority on the poetry of W.H. Auden. He was proud that he had taught so many students who went on to pursue prestigious careers, especially in the Arts, including John Hirsch, co-founder of the Manitoba Theatre Centre, and actor Douglas Rain. He was also proud to count as friends many notable members of Canadas literary community, including Dorothy Livesay, P.K. Page and James Reaney. After retirement, he was declared Professor Emeritus of the U. of M. Music was Chesters passion, and he was a highly respected and prolific composer, producing 150 art-songs, the Christmas Oratorio "For the Time Being", and the incidental music to the film "The Bridge", directed by Roman Kroitor. Orville Derraugh and Joan Maxwell were long-time collaborators who performed and recorded his music. He was especially grateful to Orville Derraugh for taping so many of his songs. In addition, he was an acclaimed accompanist, a frequent concerto pianist with the CBC Winnipeg Orchestra, and a member of the celebrated "Hidy Trio". He was a member of the Canadian Music Centre, enjoyed a long association with the Winnipeg Musicians Association and wrote the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestras program notes for a number of years, notably during the tenure of Piero Gamba. Many years ago, he was made a lifetime member of ACTRA in recognition of his contribution to the Arts. Many people will remember Chester as a critic and writer. For 17 years, he was a critic and occasional host on CBCs nationally broadcast program "Critically Speaking" with Clyde Gilmour and Lister Sinclair, commenting on radio, television, books and cinema. He also provided lively critical commentary for many years on the locally produced program "The Passing Show". In the summer of 1963, he contributed weekly arts reports on CBCs "Duncans Diary", speaking on what the CBC Times called "current happenings as seen in a somewhat sardonic light." During the 60s and 70s he worked as a freelance critic for The Winnipeg Free Press, producing both film and music reviews. Finally, in 1975 he wrote "Wanna Fight, Kid?" a collection of humourous and semi-autobiographical essays. Chester believed strongly in social justice issues and was a passionate defender of free speech. His expert testimony at the obscenity trial of "Last Tango in Paris" was regarded as instrumental in allowing that film to be shown in Winnipeg. His many accomplishments notwithstanding, Chesters family and friends will remember him first and foremost for his gentleness, kindness, generosity, humor and familial devotion. He will be sadly missed. The family would like to express its heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses of St. Boniface Hospital, especially those of the Palliative Care Unit, who made Chesters passing a comfortable and dignified one. Cremation has taken place. The family is planning an evening to celebrate Chesters life, featuring his two passions: music and poetry. An announcement of the time and place will be made in the future. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, they may make a donation in Chesters name to The St. Amant Centre. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 04, 2002