|
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
DUNCAN, MICHAEL W. - The Class of '72 regrets to advise that Commander Michael Duncan, CD passed away on December 2020 at the Glebe Centre in Ottawa. He was 71 years old. Mike came to RMC in 1968 from Lively, ON. While at the College, he studied Science (Applied) and excelled in sports. He played varsity football with the Redmen and intramural hockey for Wolfe Squadron. Mike served a full career in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Marine Engineer. He served primarily on the West Coast - HMCS Kootenay, the Navel Officer Training Centre, Training Group Pacific, and the Ship Repair Unit in Esquimalt. Of course, there were the inevitable postings to NDHQ that eventually led to his retirement in Ottawa in 2004. In retirement, Mikeenjoyed golf, travel, skiing and curling. Sadly, seven years ago, hewas diagnosed with dementia. He lived the last part of his life in the Glebe Centre where he received excellent care. He is predeceased by his first wife JennieLynn. He leaves behind his wife Katherine, his two children, Andrew and Heatherwho live in Ontario and Australia respectively, and four grandchildren. A Celebration of Life for Mike is planned and will take place when conditions concerning COVID-19 allow travel from Australia. If they wish, friends can donate to the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County (https://dementiahelp.ca/) in Michael's memory. Rest in Peace, brother.
DUNCAN, Michael W. - It is with heavy heart to share Michael W. Duncan has moved on to his next adventure - skiing, golfing and curling in God's Country. The Angels of The Glebe Centre worked their miracles with Michael, care-giving him in such a loving manner. Michael was born in Lively, Ont. and his naval career started at RMC 1968; the 'Mighty Dunc' excelled in football and hockey; serving primarily on the West Coast - HMCS Kootenay, the Naval Officer Training Centre, Training Group Pacific, Ship Repair Unit and with fond memories of the Esquimalt regional Calibration Centre. There were many postings to NDHQ Ottawa that eventually led to his retirement in Ottawa in 2004. Sadly, 7 years ago Michael was diagnosed with dementia, living the last 3 years of his life with The Glebe Centre Family where he received excellent care. The Family would like to thank all persons who befriended Michael throughout his life and especially the caregivers of The Glebe Centre Family and Dementia Society of Ottawa - Renfrew. He is predeceased by his first wife, Jennie Lynn (Prosser). Survived by wife of 19 years Katherine (O'Rourke-formerly of Fredericton, N.B.), son Andrew (Melissa Morrow) of Toronto, granddaughters Violet and Holly and daughter Heather Jefferies (Tim) of Albany, Western Australia, twin grandsons William and Oliver (first 3 grandchildren all born on the same day) and sister Ann (Ron) of Lindsay. Michael is predeceased by his father William S. C. Duncan of Scotland and his mother Elizabeth Cahill of Ireland. Fate being always just around the corner, in 1947, Michael's parents met on their flight immigrating to Canada. In 1995, Michael and Katherine met on a ski bus trip to Mont Tremblant. A strong, caring and wise man and as reflected by his colleague's comments that Michael was a most supportive boss and a friend who could be counted on to help 'sort' things out. 'William Henry Harrison's adage that, "Never with my consent shall an officer of the people, compensated for his/her services out of their pockets, become the pliant instrument of the executive will", also describes Michael to a Tee. In retirement, Michael and Katherine's love for dogs evolved into hosting their neighbour's doggies; nicknamed Duncan Doggie Daycare. His passions for skiing took them to the Canadian and American Rockies, with Panorama, B.C. becoming their annual happy place. Golfing weekly in Ottawa and yearly in the fall at Hilton Head Island and Sandestin, Fl. rounded out the year along with many years of his other love of curling, with the Navan Club. Ocean and Riverboat cruises in 2016 and 2017 were the pinnacle of their worldly adventures. As planned, a Celebration of Life for Michael will be hosted in a future year when COVID-19 allows for safe travel from Australia and USA. Thank you to First Memorial for their respectful transition of care. Donations are welcome to The Glebe Centre (https://glebecentre.ca/) and/or the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County (https://dementiahelp.ca/) in Michael's memory. (Victoria Times Colonist 22 Jan 2021)
Ships served in:
Katherine and Michael cruising 2017 to Australia and New Zealand
|
