Jeff Duncan Obituary
Jeff Timothy Duncan, of Pismo Beach passed away on January 4, 2010 with his wife Amber at his side.
Jeff said cancer could take his body, but not his soul, his heart or his love for his wife, Amber.
He graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1975. Although he had earned enough credits to graduate in 1974, he took only PE and Art to be able to continue playing on the basketball team another year.
After a fall that ended his roofing career which began with the family business of Kyle Roofing in Santa Maria, then All-State Roofing in the San Joaquin Valley, Jeff entered into a mentorship to become a Master Jeweler and to follow the dream that began in high school.
Jeff and Amber married in 2000 in Avila Beach, where Jeff spent most of his childhood and young adult years. Together they owned and operated Duncan Fine Jewelers in Pismo Beach with the official greeter at the store, their dog, Atticus.
If Jeff wasn't at the store, everyone knew they could find him fishing at the end of Avila Pier or on the Patriot, deep-sea fishing. A big disappointment in his life was not meeting Bruce Springsteen, but it is definitely the Boss's loss.
Jeff is survived by his father, Ronald Duncan, brother Larry (Linda) Duncan, sister Caryl (Curt) Peterson, his twin sister, Jill (Laura) Sherman-Duncan, his loving in-law family, Morgan and Christine Burkett, nieces Kimberly and Katie, nephews Gene, Brian, and Tim. Jeff had a special love for his "brothers from another mother", Michael Bobich and Tim Roach. Jeff was preceded in death by his mother, Lucille Ione Duncan.
Jeff was a member of the Oceano/Five Cities Elks Lodge #2504 and Five Cities Eagles Aerie #4153. A benefit dinner of Jeff's favorite meal, Santa Maria Style BBQ, will be held at the Eagles at 1713 Front St., Oceano, CA on Saturday, January 16th, beginning at 5:00 pm.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at the Port San Luis Pier at the Olde Port Inn in Avila Beach from 12:00PM to 3:00PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woods Humane Society or Citrus Valley Hospice, 820 North Phillips Avenue, West Covina, CA 91791.
This obituary was originally published in the Santa Maria Times.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jeff Haugh
July 21, 2011
Hi amber just want to say we love you and hope everything is going alright.Would love to talk to you.Jeff I love you and miss you alot. LOVE JEFF Clovis ca
Jeff Haugh
June 1, 2011
Happy birthday Jeff we will always love you and miss you very much.Amber we love you very much and hope everything is ok. LOVE ALWAYS JEFF,JACKI,JAYME AND BENTLY
jeff haugh
May 27, 2011
Now is the time of the year we miss u the most happy b=day bro.i love and miss u so much amber hang in there honey love always jeff
The forever Mrs. Duncan
May 25, 2011
The world ended, and is gonna end again, so we're told. Could you save me a seat? Damn.................I want you here. I don't care if I'm selfish, so be it. I need you more...I truely do honey.
Dizzy & goffy & artichoke
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Jeff Haugh
May 12, 2011
Jeff, I love and miss you so much
Courtney Davis
April 21, 2011
We will all miss you! Love, Courtney,Jaide,Maddi and Gwendylan Davis
November 25, 2010
Honey, it was a year ago today that I put u in the hospital never to get u back. I am not celebrating anything we missed togehter...someday?. It just doesn't seem right. 4 celebrations missed.
I love you...are u there?
bugaboo
Victor Torres
September 11, 2010
Sorry about your loss. We will never forget you, our prayers are with you. Victor & Donna Las Vegas Nv
August 3, 2010
Amber,
We are so sorry for your loss. Jeff always put a smile on our faces, and his great love for you was apparent every time we visited. Someone once told us, "When God calls someone home before we think it's time, that someone was so special that God just couldn't wait to have them in His presence."
All our love, and condolences during this difficult time.
-Trevor and Jennifer Zandt
June 18, 2010
Our visits to Pismo will never be the same... Amber we are so sorry for your loss, you and Jeff were always such a great part of our times here. We will never forget the two of you singing the special song you made up for us... Take care. Tim & Jody Akimoto
Nancy Jo Bush
May 30, 2010
Dear Amber,
I was visiting Pismo this Memorial weekend and came into the store to have Jeff solder charms onto my charm bracelet and to ask you to untangle 2 of my gold necklaces (you always did that for me when I couldn't fix the mess). I hadn't seen you and Jeff for the last few years as I was recovering from my own diagnosis of breast and ovarian cancer. The last time I saw Jeff he had just been discharged from City of Hope after his initial diagnosis and treatment. He was happy, optimistic, and as always, so friendly and warm. You were as sweet and welcoming as you naturally are. My heart is broken for your loss. I know how much you loved Jeff and how much he loved his life with you. I will keep you in my prayers and every time I wear my beautiful anniversary bracelet of 21 years with the 21 diamonds and the 21 amethyst stones that are my birthstone. At one time it was in the front window of your store after Jeff made it, until my husband and I caught the beauty of it as we passed by. The bracelet has always been a treasure but even more so now that Jeff has passed. His life was short but his goodness will live on in the hearts of many and his talent will live on in the beauty of the jewelry he created. I will pray for your healing and strength through this most difficult journey. Love, Nancy Jo Bush, Bell Canyon, CA; Pismo Shores.
May 2, 2010
I can't stop thinking, talking, crying, and loving you. I am left broken and hollow.
Love Mother Bear
Kathleen Munoz-Bradford
April 14, 2010
Hey Jeff, we never think about Avila without thinking about Cousin Jeff. My children were devastated to hear that we lost you, way too soon. We know that you are in Heaven, waiting up there with your Mom & Dad & Dennis & Richie & the rest of the family...Save us a good spot. Love ya, always and forever, you will never be forgotten...
Jeff Wallingford
April 3, 2010
Amber, We are both so sorry to hear of Dunky's passing. Our hearts go out to you. I loved our time as neighbors!!! Here's to you Jeff. Wally & The Queen
Bruce & Sue Townsend
March 6, 2010
My wife and I met Jeff and Amber through their jewelry store in Pismo. We were overwhelmed with their friendliness. Jeff always had that smile when you would come into the store. It is the same smile you see above in this website. Amber yelled, "Hey, I've seen you on TV!" (Refering to a Bible teaching show I do.) I thanked her when she said that she and Jeff watched it all the time. Then Atticus would slowly amble out to great you. Their Christian love just poured out of their hearts and you felt like you knew them all of your life. You could tell Jeff had great love for his wife Amber, just the way he talked to her. What a wonderful man to have such a wonderful family and love for his fellow man. We will miss him. There is comfort in knowing that he will be there in heaven with that big smile saying something like, "Hey, what took you so long. Wait 'til you see how great it is up here!" Love, Bruce & Sue Townsend
Dawn Greeley
February 11, 2010
If I had to pick one word to describe Jeff it would be UNIQUE. Full of life and the funniest person I have ever met! He will be missed tremendously and was loved by anyone who he crossed paths with, whether they knew him for a day or 20 years. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Duncan family and thankyou Amber for making him sooo happy.~Peace~
Lacey Thrasher
February 9, 2010
So we only met Jeff about a year ago when I started working at the store next door. What a wonderful person! Always smiling with some wise-crack to make you do the same. We have all lost a very special person with Jeff's passing. I will miss hearing that "Hey Thrasher" every morning. I guess it was heaven's turn to experience Jeff, even if we weren't done with him yet.
Deepest Love and Sympathy,
Lacey and Brandon
Jenny Kirkbride
February 8, 2010
Amber, Dick and I have been gone from the area for over three years, but whenever in the area we stop by the store to see you. You have a special place in our hearts. I was very sad today when I found out Jeff left a month ago. I too will always cherish the beautiful jewelry we have purchased from you and Jeff. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dick and Jenny Kirkbride - Clarkston, WA
February 4, 2010
Our condolences to Jeff and Amber. We loved coming into your store and very much enjoyed your great spirit and your special greeter! You fixed my wedding ring a few years ago (along with many other great trasures from your talents) and we will always remember you and your family with great fondness. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Fisher Family, Scott & Laura Fisher
February 2, 2010
Jeff:
I knew you for a short time but I will always remember your smile when Al and I came into your store, and how helpful you were. Barb and Al
February 1, 2010
Aloha Jeff~
I wish we could have gone fishing together, I know that was your passion. Please watch over Amber. My deepest condolences to all.
Kevin S.
Aiea, Hi
February 1, 2010
Dear Jeff: I wish Paul and I could have said good-bye, but due to long-distance we weren't able too. Our heart goes out to you Amber because your is loss deeper than words can describe. Take care of yourself Amber. You and Jeff will always have a special place in my heart. With all of our, love Laura and Paul from Stockton CA
Kris Scory
January 30, 2010
Jeff I love you like a uncle. You always where very nice and very funny too. The best Jeweler ever too. Thank you for everything and the laughs we had. Every time I saw you I'd be rolling on the floor laughing. You brought the coast to life. Love Kris Scory SLO, CA
January 27, 2010
All our sympathy to the family. You are now resting in heaven. You will be missed by so many people.
Reda Abbas and the staff at Riteaid.
Larry & Luiza
January 26, 2010
Dear Jeff,
I'm sure you are laughing as you watch Luiza and I write this note in your guest book.
Do you remember how big that lingcod was that you caught off Port San Luis when you brought it up to my little 14 foot aluminum boat we were fishing in,that barely floated with a 6'4" and a 6'2" man in it? With those giant teeth and the fact you had snagged it on the head and it was really ugly, we were both kind of scared when you brought it into the boat and it started jumping all over the place. We had so many good times on the ocean and to have been able to fish with you in the kelp no more than 50 yards off the Diablo power plant ramp was just great. Those were the days my friend and to get back to the pier with Amber waiting to hear our stories made it even more priceless.
Everybody that knew you here on earth remembers what a kind and wonderful man you were. In every way we will all miss you forever until we see you again.
Thanks for the beautiful memories and all the laughs,
Larry & Luiza
Jon Howell
January 25, 2010
Jeff,
No words I can say about losing you other then you were a great man and we all have lost one of the most Humble dude I know. Someday we will meet again. You were a true friend. We had more fun together then I can count. Avila will never be the same without you their. Your legacy at the coast will live on forever.
God bless you and your family
Jon Howell and Family
Lee Ewert-Haynes
January 24, 2010
You were a part of my childhood.I will always remember you so full of mischief ,always smiling. I will miss you Jeff Duncan. My prayers are with you and
your family .
Love Lee
January 24, 2010
Amber:
You may find this hard to hear, but you are lucky, and so was Jeff. Not many people find the love that you and Jeff shared, although for way too short a time. We always enjoyed visiting with Jeff (and you) in the store, and cherish the jewelry we purchased over the years (especially the gold ring he custom made). We'll miss Jeff's ready smile and fun banter. You are in our thoughts.
Love, Julie and Carolyn Bernard
marco deleo
January 23, 2010
so meny memories instead of writing them iam going to keep them in my heart with my thoughts of you . god bless us all .
Jodi Sara Gina Nielsen
January 21, 2010
we will forever love and never forget our dear friend 'Duncan'. You've touched a great many Jeff, and while we'll miss you in this day, we shall touch again tomorrow...love always and forever, Jodi and Sara and Gina
Larry Duncan
January 21, 2010
It's hard to realize the loss of my "little" brother. I pray he has found peace and is happily fishing. My thoughts and prayers are also with you, Amber.
Cassandra Coscia
January 19, 2010
You will be greatly missed...
Sabrina Shaw
January 19, 2010
Dear Amber and Jeff- I always loved visiting ya'll because you made me feel like a friend instead of another sales rep. I remember how we would all sit around and tell jokes and ya"ll would lovingly harrass me about who was my new young boyfriend and if I had quit smoking AGAIN! Jeff Amber I feel like if we lived closer we would be hanging out ALL the time. I always appreciate our little talks by the computer and felt special and close to you when you would share what was going on with Jeff and his health> I am so sorry honey. You are an AMAZING woman, and I have always respected you as a business woman!! CALL ME ANYTIME!!
All my Love, Sabrina Shaw
Marc Bingham
January 19, 2010
Jeff, Ill always remember the jokes and stories when I would come visit. We always had tons of laughs!! I will truly miss you my friend. Amber, I know how hard this must be for you. I lost my father several years back and everyday day was a challenge. Remember that we are all here for you and will support you in any way.
Peedoh Thomas
January 18, 2010
Amber - I am terribly sorry for your loss. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:24
Tony Panchenko
January 17, 2010
Dearest Amber,
The sad news about Jeff's passing took me by total surprise. Jeff was a great guy, a great friend and a valuable account of mine. I will for many years have so many fond memories visiting with him and you. I will always remember when I would pull in front of your jewelry store he would be out there having a cigaratte and a big smile. My son Eric will miss him so much. Be strong my love and and I am here for you 24/7.
God Bless
Tony (AKA Mr.Bulova)
January 17, 2010
miss you terribly
Hubbell and Theresa Self
January 17, 2010
Jeff will forever be missed. He was a wonderful man. Always had a smile on his face and was sure to bring one to everyone that has ever had the pleaseure to have met him. Thoughts and prayers are with you Amber. You are a wonderful woman. Your guardian angels for life.
A J and Corie Yates
January 17, 2010
We will always remember Jeff's cheerful greeting, and drinking Champagne with him. He will always live on in our hearts.
Jeff is our new guardian angel and will be always watching over us.
January 17, 2010
Amber,
We miss Jeff every single day. His smile and happy go lucky attitude always made seeing our store neighbors a highlight of our day. His love of life and people made him a very special person, and his all encompassing positive attitude has been an inspiration to us all.
Remember, Jeff's in heaven now watching over you. John & Teresa
Diane
January 17, 2010
Jeff is now in God's hands and without pain. Amber know that he is watching over you. God Bless you both!!!
January 17, 2010
We met for the first and last time almost a year ago.Five soldiers of the 720TH Convoy Security Company were granted pass at Pismo Beach and were greeted by the coolest tour guy around. Jeff you took time of your work day put us all in your vehicle and showed us a great time before we left.You will always have a part in our memories for the remander of our lives. We come home in three months man and its really too bad you wont be there to take us on another beachside tour. Rest your hip little soul man, and know that these soldiers will never forget you!
Spc Salas, Joe
Spc Crespin, Jon
Spc Fuentes,Chris
Spc Barela, Juan
Spc Martinez, Matthew
lori wamble
January 16, 2010
I didnt know him very long, but I feel very blessed to have known him at all. God bless you Jeff.
January 16, 2010
When we think of Jeff the word generous comes to mind. He was always willing to share a smile, banter and even more his love of life and friends. He truly lived a full life but left us too soon. We will miss him. Amber we love you for wonderful wife and woman you are. We are here for you now and always.
All our best! Mike & Patti
Joe Machado
January 16, 2010
Amber, Jeff found me after 34 years on Face Book. We grew up together in the old neighborhood off of East Main St in S.M. We also went to High school together. Jeff invited me to visit him at the store and I'm so saddened I did'nt make it. Say hi to his family if they remember me? My parents had the barber shop attached to their home.
Amber I'm looking forward to meeting you, and I'm very sorry for your loss.
Joe Machado
January 16, 2010
May Jeff rest in piece.
Mark Danieli
January 16, 2010
May Jeff rest in piece.
Ramona
January 16, 2010
It's hard to lose someone who is the repository of the funniest memories of the "Avila days". Jeff had such an intuitive way of connecting with everyone and always knew just the right words to lift my heart.
Amber, till he met you I can remember that he was often a pretty lonely guy. What a gift your love is. He was a lucky man.
January 16, 2010
Jeff honey,
Everyone has it right! Your smile, your laugh, your love, it is all GREATLY missed. I roam around the house aimlessly. You're not there. I do know where you are though, and it isn't far. I hope you know how many people you touched.
i luv ewe,
mother bear
Victor Kuykendall
January 16, 2010
Jeff we can go truckin' now. I know you ended up disliking trucking when we left LA and ended up in Texas, on what was suppose to be a short trip. After this, you told me many times how it changed your life, and i am proud to say i was there when it happened and i saw those changes, and i was proud to be a part of them. May you RIP. Partners forever, Cherokee
Scott Smith
January 16, 2010
BROTHER JEFF ITS a tragedy you had to leave when you did,I had just a blast with you in life.But we have to accept what is givin,isnt that always the way.Tidy things up for me,up there.See you when its my time,we'll do it all again down the road.You will be missed. Love Ya Forever Brother, R.I.P. Scott Smith, Amber:If there is anything i can do from back here please dont hesitate to give me a call.Your in my thoughts.Sorry for your loss.
January 15, 2010
Amber,
Jeff holds a place in the heart of the Hygh brothers which will never be forgotten. In our lives we are lucky to find persons we can truly call friends. Jeff is and was one of those people who you could truly call a friend. Thad and I will miss him much, but he will be in our thoughts for ever.
Eddie and Thad Hygh
David Gillitzer
January 15, 2010
Amber, my thoughts & prayers go out to you and the Duncan family.He will truly be missed by everyone.God bless.
Steve Hire
January 15, 2010
Jeff will be missed by me and many. He was like a little brother to me growing up (a pest at times like my younger sisters, yes including Caryl and Jill) and he was a great friend after we were both grown. Having Jeff and Amber across the street from my Pismo place was great and we always had a lot fun. He was always kind and full of smiles even when he was busy. This is indeed a sad day for all of us but a lucky day for those in Heaven. We have lost such a great person and they have inherited one. Let’s just be thankful for all the special moments that Jeff has left us. Goodbye Jeff, till we meet again.
Kimberly Dutra
January 14, 2010
I was jeff's friend for over 20 years he was like a brother to me. He is one of the funnest people I have ever known with a heart of gold. Duncan I learned alot from you my friend and you will always be in my heart.
January 13, 2010
Dear Amber We want you to know how sorry we are for your lost. Jeff was a wonderful man and a great friend scott misses him so much, they had great times together and i know we will be hearing story for along time . we will miss his beauiful smile. we are holding you in our arms and hugging you. love scott and debbie sanderson. (Bass Lake CA)
Karen Cherno
January 13, 2010
Amber,
David and I were so saddened to hear about Jeff, Every time I look at my wedding ring I will remember him, and his great big smile...If you need anything just let us know..
David and Karen Cherno
Robert Acree
January 13, 2010
I've known Jeff for a long time, He was a great guy always laughing, smiling, always jump up and give me a big hug when I stopped in to visit. He will be missed. Robert Acree, Fresno, CA
Finney Smith
January 13, 2010
Jeff my lad, ( he always greeted me that way) you were the man that always had a smile on your face and made us all laugh. The magic days of Avila were much richer because of you.
Your spirit will never leave us.
Finney Smith
Tony Testa
January 12, 2010
Jeff's sister hit the nail on the head. Where ever he was everyone was laughing and happy. Very few people on this earth have that effect on people. We will miss your quick wit and your story telling, no one could tell a story like Jeff, whether it was about the good old days or just getting up in the morning, Jeff would have me crying with laughter. He will never be duplicated or replaced and we were truly blessed to have known him
Cindy Herrera
January 12, 2010
Amber & Family, Words cannot express the sympathy I feel. Jeff was truly a wonderful person inside & out. I can never remember a time he was not smiling, laughing or giving Amber a hard time! May he live on in all of our hearts for all of the kind words he had for everyone and the beautiful wrok he did. I know I will Cherish every piece of Jewelry we purchased from your store. Especially the lovely Tahitian Pearl ring that the stupid Pearl kept falling out of. (And the last time I came in the shop and told him it fell out again just as a joke)! What a laugh we all had. I will never forget such wonderful moments. God Bless you and Rest in Peace my dear friend.
Janet Kee-Castillo
January 12, 2010
To The Duncan Family
I'm very sorry for the loss of Jeff. I will always remember Jeff's love of sports & his great smile. You all are in my thoughts & prayers
Kevin Watkins
January 12, 2010
Jeff became one of us Avila kids, and boy did we have fun during the mid to late 70's.
Later, he did an absolutely beautiful restoration of my wife's wedding ring. He had truly found his calling.
With Sympathy
Kevin Watkins and Family
Laura Sherman-Duncan
January 12, 2010
Although not a blood brother Jeff WAS my brother in every way. He had the greatest smile and the warmest heart. He is and always will be TRULY MISSED. Love, Laura Sherman-Duncan
Megan Rabska-LaFlamme
January 12, 2010
Jill,
So sorry to see of Jeff's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
love,
Megan
Caryl Peterson
January 12, 2010
Jeff as my little brother you were a brat, as a grown-up you were a great brother. I will forever miss your huge smile and your love of life, wherever you were everyone was always laughing and happy, that legacy will live on.
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