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Douglas Duncan Obituary

Douglas R. Duncan
Douglas Robert Duncan passed away on September 25, 2012 of natural causes. He passed away in comfort at his home that he loved so much overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Redondo Beach, CA. On August 30, 1923 Douglas was born to Dorothy Smith and Robert Duncan in London, England. He attended Buckingham Gate School which is located near Buckingham Palace where, as a child, he loved to watch the changing of the guards. In 1939, as a young man of 16, Douglas joined the Home Guard of England where he was trained to protect his native England. During the blitz of London his home was bombed and the family moved to Croydon, England. In 1941 at the age of 18 he enlisted in the Royal English Navy where he trained to be and became a radio officer. He served until 1944 when his ship was torpedoed and destroyed in the Northern Atlantic. Having been rescued by the Norwegian Navy, he served as a radio officer and translator for the Norwegians until the end of the war in 1945. Returning to England, Douglas traveled extensively thru Europe and the United States. In England he worked for the accounting firm of Black Geoghegan and Till as an auditor from 1946 until 1951. Moving to Montreal, Canada, he worked for the Steel Company of Canada as Assistant Sales Manager until 1962. During this time he met Joan Elizabeth Crossley whom he married in 1953 and their son Robert was born in 1955. In December of 1962 Douglas and Joan were finally granted their Visas to come to the United States and relocated to Santa Monica, CA. In 1963 he obtained a job with Newton Insert Co. as Vice President of Marketing and upon moving to Redondo Beach, CA in 1967 went to work with Tridair Industries until 1969. He became a partner in Bar Automatics in Los Angeles, CA (1969-1970) and then partnered with Rush Associates (1970-1971). On September 1, 1971 Douglas and his son Robert founded M S Inserts and Fasteners Corporation, where he remained active until his death. The company is currently located in a 33,000 sq. foot building in Torrance CA. From an early age, when he would build and sail model boats in the parks of London, he developed a love for the sea, boats and especially sailing. He owned several boats over the years. His favorites were his Dragon Class racing sloop "Nike", a power boat Owens 30 "Ship of Fools" and his Morgan 36 sailboat " Seahawk". Douglas became a member of King Harbor Yacht Club in 1968 and is still currently a member. He enjoyed reading, music, travel, history and art and was always seeking world knowledge. Douglas is survived by his son, Robert James Duncan and his daughter- in-law, Nancy Meria Duncan of Redondo Beach CA. His many employees loved him and thought of him as a father and mentor. He will be missed by all who knew him. A Memorial service and reception will follow on Friday, October 5, 2012 at 2:00 pm at Rice Mortuary Torrance, CA. Go to www.lafuneral.com to send the family messages, share memories and to obtain directions to the service. Sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Breeze on Oct. 2, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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Tes just Tes

March 15, 2013

I remember along time ago I walked into a Christmas party with Doug and his son, it felt like he swooped me off my feet , showing his son this is how its done...having the father and the son both on each arm was priceless...RIP DOUG, thanks for teaching me about the love of mink, from the ride to party I think of you always when I wear mine as I walk the ocean in the wee hours of night. Always in my heart, deepest condolence to your family.

Kathy Neal

October 10, 2012

I just want to say how grateful I am that you took a chance on me 6 yrs ago. I will miss you and all your wonderful life stories...I loved it when you would come around the office and "twist" our candy & cookie arms... You were a great joy to work for and will be missed dearly by all who knew you....

Fred Manna

October 8, 2012

Though my employment at MS Inserts was short, my memories are many and your friendship most valued. I learned from you, I laughed with you, I made friends for life thanks to you. I will miss you but never forget you.

Maria Arceo

October 5, 2012

Thank you for 10 wonderful years at MS Inserts. Thanks for all your support and great advise. I will miss you :-(

Yolanda Leakes

October 4, 2012

The 15 years of employment at MS Inserts were the best. You were a mentor and father figure. The employees were a happy family. So many good times and memories. I am sure there is a box of donuts waiting for you in Heaven. Rest In Peace. Much Love from Yolie.

Shelly Poling

October 4, 2012

Love you Douglas. I worked for you for many years. You will be missed!!

Art Charpentier

October 3, 2012

My family and I will always remember Douglas as a dear friend an interesting man full of life. Douglas you will be missed.

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