William C Duncan
1934 - 2018
William C Duncan
1934 - 2018
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1934
DIED
2018
William Duncan Obituary
He was born to Alexander Duncan and Naomi McCoy Duncan on Sept. 12, 1934 in Valley Creek, Tennessee. He married Carolyn VanMeter on Aug. 5th, 1960 (later divorced). Together they had three children, Keith, John and Stacy.
He graduated from Middlesborough High School. After over a year of college he joined the US Air Force in 1955. He served in Korea and Japan through 1959. Bill was a member of the Argenta #3 Masonic Lodge where he achieved the rank of Past Worshipful Master. He was also a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite.
Bill was appointed to the Salt Lake Police Department in 1964 where he rose through the ranks to Captain. When he came on the department in 1964, he was shortly thereafter assigned to the K9 squad. His dog Shep, then became his partner as well as a loyal family member. He retired after 30 years and 2 months of service to the department. While with the department he held every position except Internal Affairs. Pappy attended the FBI National Academy graduating with honors. Later in his police career he established the bicycle squad.
On November 3rd, 1990 Bill married Paula Ardrey.
Other interests Pappy enjoyed included building muzzle loaders, all kinds of shooting competitions and hunting. He ran his first marathon in 1980. Pappy was an Elder at the Granger Christian Church. He enjoyed both road and mountain biking. He was a long time member of the Bonneville Bicycle Touring Club, where helped plan the Centennial Bike Ride across the state. He worked on the committee planning several of the National Parks Rides. Together he and Paula enjoyed camping, canoeing, hiking, bicycling, trekking in Nepal and other travel, cross country and downhill skiing.
He is survived by his wife Paula, former wife Carolyn, three children, Keith (Sandy) Duncan, John Duncan, Stacy Weisgerber, three grandchildren and one great-grand child, three step-children, Carol (Mike) Cox, Timothy Ardrey, Sandra (Brian) Peavey, five step-grandchildren, and four great-step grandchildren.
Services will be Friday, September 7th, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Salt Lake Masonic Temple, 650 East South Temple.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Randy MacKay
September 25, 2018
I met Pappy when I started getting involved with Argenta Lodge activities and grew to admire and respect him when I joined the Lodge. He was a great inspiration, and a wonderful Brother. He was one of those I missed most, when I moved away from Utah.
Prayers for blessings and comfort to his suriving family. He is not gone... only temporarily reassigned to other duties.
Sandy Urry
September 9, 2018
"Pappy" was a wonderful man and leader. I always enjoyed talking with him - especially about mules and dogs. He was so influential in my career - as well as many other officers. My condolences to Paula and the rest of his family.
Phil Kirk
September 7, 2018
Pappy was admired during his long tenure at SLCPD as a great and caring leader. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Thumper Hughes Higley Pruitt
September 6, 2018
Farewell, friend. You all have my condolences in the passing of a fine man and friend. May his memories remain with us as we remember all the good times we shared with him while he was with us. If there is anything that we can assist with, please let me know.
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Judy Dencker
September 6, 2018
Pappy -
Always a dear Friend !
Larry Newman
September 5, 2018
About 1988 or 1989, Bill joined a group of cyclists from the Bonneville Bike Club to join the Des Moines Register Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI), where I promised to introduce him to my sister, Paula. The rest was history, followed by their many outdoor athletic pursuits listed in Bill's obituary.
Similar to the advice given world-class athletes to "Choose your parents carefully," a difficult point in Bill's life was when he was advised to take beta blockers, which limited his joy in the active pursuits he relished. Having ridden many miles with Bill, he might have mumbled at times, never quit, and made everyone laugh with a clever quip. I relish those memories.
Roberta Sweeney
September 4, 2018
My sympathies to the family during this time of remembrances and sorrow. I remember meeting you and Paula at Granger Christian and also knowing Carolyn from Granger Christian. May God's love keep you, his children, in his loving watch.
Penney Tyree
September 4, 2018
Keith, Stacy, John, and Paula, I am so sorry to hear of Pappy's passing. I knew Pappy for a very long time...since the kids were very young. My best "take-away" is when he got me hooked on bicycle touring. The first trip, I wasn't happy with him...it was his fault that I was hating the week-long trip. At the end of the road trip through central Utah, I was then hooked. Pappy then found, at a bike shop, a new road bike that was more my size. During a trip through Colorado, I had two offers to buy my new bike. Nope! It was hard enough to even find the bike in the first place. I suspect that Pappy would have also discouraged me from selling the bike. Many, many miles later, I still thanked him for getting me hooked.
I also loved seeing Pappy and family at church. I thought it was "really cool" to know a cop.
My heart breaks for all of you. Our peace and comfort comes from knowing that Pappy was welcomed, with open arms, to God's kingdom.
Don Bell
September 3, 2018
"Pappy" was both a fine man and an outstanding police officer. I enjoyed many, many years working with him and sharing many stories, some real, some not-so-much!!!
Jody Whitaker
September 3, 2018
Keith, Stacy, John and Paula,
Please accept my sincere condolences. Your father (husband) was one of my childhood heroes. He inspired me to become a police officer when I was young and I continued to look to him for guidence when he was my Commanding Officer. He set an example which was beyond reproach. I will always cherish the moments I shared with Pappy.
September 2, 2018
Diane and family - I am sorry for your loss.
Kim Smith (Salt Lake Christian Center)
Ked Kirkham
September 1, 2018
It was my honor to serve you, sir.
Linda Mc
August 29, 2018
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. May the fond memories of your loved one sustain your family at this time. May you also receive comfort from what is stated at 1 Peter 5:6,7.
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2120 South 700 East, Space C, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
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