CHARLES IAN "CHICK" DUNCAN

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CHARLES IAN "CHICK" DUNCAN Chick passed away Thursday, May 13, 2004 at the age of 79. He was predeceased by his parents Charles and Georgina and his three sisters, Janet, Isobel and Margaret. He is survived by Irene, his wife of 52 years, his children, Laura, Ian and Lorne; daughter-in-law Jo-Anne and grandchildren, Ryan, Kyle and Scott and all of Irenes extended family. Chick had a wonderful childhood growing up in Jasper, Alberta and working with his father who was the Golf Professional at Jasper Park Lodge. As a young golfer he often accompanied famous guests from the lodge for a round of golf. Chick served in the Navy during the Second World War as did so many of his generation. He was present at D-Day and it was an experience that he remembered with deep emotion. Following his stint in the Navy he attended UBC for three years. He and Irene married in 1952 and moved to Edmonton. In the spring of 1953 he became a golf professional working for Henry Martell at the Highlands Golf Club. In 1959 he became the first Professional at the newly opened Derrick Golf and Winter Club in Edmonton. In the spring of 1960 the family moved to Winnipeg where Chick became the Head Professional at Niakwa Golf and Country Club where he remained until his retirement in 1990. He was always proud of his designation as a Golf Professional and often served on the Manitoba PGA Executive. He was involved in raising funds for, and teaching golf to handicapped children. Chicks love for teaching golf could not be contained. He often was seen giving a struggling golfer a little help no matter the place or time. He even gave staff at the Dialysis Clinic lessons while having his treatments. Chick and Irene spent many winters in Palm Desert before and after retirement. Through the years they supported many young tour professionals and their families resulting in lasting friendships with Bernhard Langer and Russ Cochrane to name a few. Chicks love of Robert Service poems was well known. He enjoyed reciting them for friends and family. The familys favourite was his rendition of "The Cremation of Sam McGee". Chick was famous for his story telling and never failed to entertain any gathering. He found humour in ordinary things. He was proud of his Scottish heritage and was called upon often to say his "Scottish Grace". Chick was on kidney dialysis for over three years. The care provided by the staff was outstanding. He always arrived with candies for the staff and patients. A very special thank you to all the staff at the dialysis clinic, especially Joanne. You will miss him too. Later, his special care from the staff at 5D of the Health Sciences Centre was greatly appreciated. The hugs and show of sympathy got us through those final days. Chick will be greatly missed by all who knew him but especially his family. Our hearts are broken. We thank all our friends for their love and support during this sad time. A reception to celebrate Chicks life will be held June 2 at 7:00 p.m. at Niakwa Country Club, 620 Niakwa Rd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chicks memory to The Kidney Foundation, the Manitoba Golf Association Scholarship fund or a charity of your choice. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: EDWARD J. COUTU LTD. 680 Archibald Street 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 15, 2004