JAMES JOHN DUNCAN

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JAMES JOHN DUNCAN James John Duncan, on April 18, 2004, died suddenly with family present, at St. Boniface General Hospital. He was predeceased, just last spring, by Jean his loving wife of 54 years. He will be greatly missed by so many including, his sons, Rob, David (Wendy) and Cam; granddaughters, Jocelyn and Rachel; sisters-in-law, Nancy Wright, Rae Mills, Lou Duncan and Bernice Nicoll; his niece and nephew, Janie and Stuart Duncan; as well as other nieces, nephews and many long-time friends. As a life-long resident of Lord Roberts and Riverview neighbourhoods in Winnipeg, after 82 years these communities were as much a part of him, as he was of them. He attended Lord Roberts Elementary and Kelvin High Schools. As a youngster he was a "paperboy" for the Winnipeg Tribune and delivered prescriptions for a "drugstore", discovering Winnipeg by bicycle. Dad served his country during the Second World War and was a proud member of the RCAF 402nd Squadron and continued this association through the Reserves. Dad had a long career in the Printing industry with such firms as Bullman Brothers and Kromar Printing. Dad was an active member of the Kiwanis Club participating in many of their projects and Tuesday dinner meetings. Churchill Park (Rosedale) United Church was a large part of Dads (and Mums) life; he met and fell in love with Mum through the church, attended countless services, christenings and marriages, served on numerous committees over the years, was a member of the choir and the Pearly Notes Choral Group, member of the Presbytery, served tea and washed dishes, enjoying all equally. Dad was a long-time volunteer at, and supporter of, what is now known as the Riverview Health Centre, last fall receiving recognition for 50 years of service. From fall to spring not many days would go by when Dad didnt visit the Fort Rouge Curling Club, his home away from home. Many summers were spent with his family at East Neuk in Victoria Beach where he could never get too much sun. Dad was a people-person in every sense, friendly, out-going, quick to smile or laugh, a tune or more likely a whistle was never far from his lips and he always had some line ready for anyone he passed while out on his frequent walks. Dad was energized by people (especially children) and he loved his District and so it was natural that some of his favourite times were with the people of his District. The Rouge, the Oakwood, the Royal, Safeway, the church, Churchill High, the streets and lanes will seem a little quieter, a little lonelier without him. Dad was much loved by his family and many friends - he will be missed forever but never forgotten. It somehow seems right to think of Dad and Mum together again travelling wherever their spirit wishes. Memorial donations may be made to Churchill Park United Church, Riverview Health Centre, or other favourite charity. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28 at Churchill Park United Church (525 Beresford Ave.).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 24, 2004