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Duncan Blanks Obituary

Duncan L. Blanks
April 30, 1962-Nov. 24, 2013
Resident of San Jose
Duncan Lane Blanks, 51, of San Jose passed away, November 24, 2013. He was born in Billings, Montana April 30, 1962. Duncan graduated from Custer County High School in Miles City, Montana, and graduated from DeVry Institute of Technology in Phoenix, Arizona.
He is survived by; daughter Miranda Blanks 19, son Cooper Blanks 17, sister Debra Blanks-Shore and brother Dale Blanks. The legacy of Duncan's kind spirit, zest for life and tireless humor, which brightened the life of others will be treasured forever.
Memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, November 30th at Calvary Church of Los Gatos (16330 Los Gatos Blvd., Los Gatos, CA 95032).
Donations can be made to the Duncan Blanks Children's Memorial Fund, Via Wells Fargo Bank

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

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Nov. 30, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Duncan Blanks

Sponsored by Dave Parent, John Rost, Shane Killham, Jim Schmitz, Eric Swanson.

Not sure what to say?





Josephine McFarlane

September 14, 2019

Always thinking of you Duncan, wish we had stayed in San Jose with all our dear California friends, Jo and Ed McFarlane

Duncan, Cooper, Miranda and Juliet McFarlane in San Jose

Josephine McFarlane

September 14, 2019

Duncan, Dave and Jim at Shane''s wedding

October 16, 2017

Ross Stramler provided this funny golf photo, the guys sure got a kick out of the 2 strokes they got against Duncan, look at the tee markers. Xoxo DB

Josephine McFarlane

October 15, 2017

Duncan and Miranda at a Blanks and McFarlane picnic. Love you Dunc

Josephine McFarlane

October 15, 2017

October 13, 2017

I miss my brother so much as he lives inside me and was truly special. Everyday is a smile thinking of him. Just wish we could exchange more humor together. All the fun between us and many others exists today. Never forget his caring of family
and his meaning in so many lives. Brother Dale

Our System Test Group RF

Jo McFarlane

January 14, 2015

The group includes ?, Mike Koval,Marco Coscia, Ed McFarlane, Tania Shadmir, Duncan Blanks,Alex? going out to lunch at Hughes Aircraft (before Boeing?). All trim and fit. Cheers!

Duncan & Ed Olympic Club SF

Ed McFarlane

December 31, 2013

Jay

December 12, 2013

I knew Duncan when he was a senior leader in AIT (now STO) at SS/L in the Nineties, and recently as head of master scheduling for the leading commercial satellite maker. Duncan was as smart and charming as any man I knew and he was an incredible asset to the company as well as a friend. I miss our Burger King runs at lunchtime with John Gatta and Steve Smiley. When I returned to SS/L in 2010-11 I left Duncan a message but he was always too busy to meet for lunch. I'll say a prayer for you, Duncan. To borrow a line you once used, "You're too kind for words". Indeed you were kind and sweet but also highly intelligent and funny... a natural comedian when not hard at work. I'll miss you a lot. God bless your soul and watch over your surviving family.

Lee Van Dyke

December 3, 2013

( We worked together circa 1982-83 )
I remember laughing a lot with Duncan,


We were driving up Aviation Blvd back to S12 (the Hughes Space and Comm Building, in El Segundo, Ca) in his Van, talking about motorcycles. I think he had motorcycle fever and was starting to spread it to me. When I
started getting enthusiastic about it and saying that maybe I should
buy one, a motorcyclist in front of us suddenly flipped over the
handlebars and landed on the side walk, shaken but unhurt.

I looked at Duncan and said "Well maybe I won't get one then!" and we both
burst out laughing.

Another time he was at a party at my house in Hermosa Beach,Ca.
He had parked his Van the wrong way on a one-way street. When he left, he was hesitant about turning around. So I told him to turn right at a street about 1/2 block away. Somehow he missed it and went the entire length of 3rd street down to PCH. He told me about it later and luckily we laughed about it.

[email protected]

Always a smile

Lynn Murphy

December 3, 2013

Our sweet, funny Duncy - you are so missed and loved by so many. I will never forget you - you made me laugh & appreciate life so much more. You were always so full of life & one of the kindest people I ever had the privilege of calling my friend; how lucky we all are too have known you my friend! Your light will always shine bright - Pshaw, pshaw, caw, caw, snort, snort (own the snort!), the elephant trumpet & all your other funny sound effects will remain with me fondly and always. Your spirit will live on forever

Todd Beninghaus

December 3, 2013

Duncan was truly one of a kind! Goodbye my friend, the world is emptier today knowing you're not here with us anymore. Dawna, Miranda, and Cooper, please accept my sincerest condolences.

Kirby Chung

December 3, 2013

Duncan will be missed for sure. We worked together at SSL and he was always cheerful and gave you his very best effort. Got to know him more as our daughters were on the same Stars softball travel team. I will always remember his cheers like "drive it like a rental car!" He was always encouraging and upbeat. My sincerest condolences to his family. He will be remembered well.

Brett Sargeant

December 2, 2013

I didnt know Duncan that well.What I did know about him I really liked.His sense of humour,ability to laugh and the way he lit up the room when he walked in made him a crowd favorite.I will always miss Duncy.

Clyde Nunes

December 2, 2013

Duncan,
You're the best. The time I spent with you will be in my heart forever.I enjoyed every minute. Your humor and good will is


at the top of my list. Rest in peace my friend. I'll be searching the sky at Fall River and I know you will be there.

Adam Sadowy

December 2, 2013

I am deeply sorry to hear about the loss of Duncan. I had the pleasure of knowing Duncan at SS/L for a number of years.

Please accept my condolences.

C Saunders

December 2, 2013

My prays and heart goes out to the family especially the children.

Kris (Brown) Carey

December 1, 2013

My sincere thoughts and prayers to Duncan's dear friends and family. I have many fond memories from grade school, Phoenix, and California. When I think of Duncan laughter is the first thing that comes to mind. He was witty, bright, and always the life of the party. May his love live on in your memories and give you peace.

Nancy Ugrin-Bond

December 1, 2013

Duncan's spirit will live on in so many of us that he touched at one point or another throughout his life. I will always remember him as a warm and kind soul. I pray his family finds solace that the lord has welcomed him with open and loving arms.

Roy Hendrickson

December 1, 2013

I met Duncan back in 1982 when we were assigned to the same technical project at Hughes Aircraft in Southern California. Even back then he seemed to possess a wisdom beyond his years, and his resume', knowing just how to make the most out of anything life threw at him on and off the job. He was always cheerful and upbeat, taking everyone, family, friend, or stranger, along for that ride. Hughes may no longer exist but I know our fond memories for Duncan will live on ! He will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathy to his family for their loss.

Dave Parent

November 30, 2013

I knew Dunc for over forty years and a finer, funnier and truer friend cannot be found. He was always the spark at a gathering, with his endless sense of humor and outgoing personality. From grade school to high school to DeVry; from Miles City to Phoenix to Los Angeles to San Jose Duncan was full of fun and occasionally mischievous….OK not occasionally especially in high school. But over the last 15 plus years one thing was evident every time I spoke to Duncan...he was so proud of Miranda and Cooper. The loss I feel can only pale in comparison to yours. To the entire Blanks family, my heart goes out to you. My God bring comfort and peace to you. I will never forget Duncan or you. With love Dave Parent

Jim Schmitz

November 30, 2013

To Duncan's Family, My heart aches for you. Duncan was a special person...one of a kind for sure. I've known Duncan for over 40 years and he was a joy to know every step of the way. Panda & Coop...he was very proud of you guys. Every time we visited we talked about you guys and what you were up to. He was like a brother to me and I will miss him always. May God Bless you and give you strength. Love, Jimmy

Charlene (Charlie) Gunther

November 30, 2013

The Blanks family lived next door to me in Miles City, MT. I have fond memories of Duncan as a young boy, playing with my little sister who was the same age. My thoughts and prayers go out to his children, Deb, Dave and Dale. Luv you all!

Clare Kolevar

November 30, 2013

Thinking of Duncan brings a smile to our faces and makes us laugh. We were honored to have known him while we still lived in California. We are sending our love and prayers to his family, especially his children, Cooper and Miranda, and to Dawna. Cling to your memories. Peace to you, Kris and Clare

Deb Echeverria

November 30, 2013

Rest in peace my Duncan. I miss you something terrible – I will always miss you, your laughter, your humor, your warmth and caring. And yes even the animal sounds and facial expressions. Duncan had the biggest heart. He would do anything within in his power to give a helping hand and think nothing of it. He was well respected and loved by everyone. He touched so many hearts and loved his family so dearly. It's going to be a long road of recovery. You will be in my heart forever, I love you Duncan.

Tom Blanks

November 30, 2013

Although separated by thousands of miles due to lives that were on different paths,everyone who knew Duncan here in Mississippi in his extended family always wanted special things to happen for Duncan. We now pray for Duncan's immediate family in their time of grief. We all loved him.

Mark Biggar

November 29, 2013

Brother I will always love you. Your light will shine forever. Your spirit lives within us and will rock on indefinitely.

November 29, 2013

Miranda and Cooper, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Your dad was such a great guy and he was so proud of you both. He will be greatly misse,
by all. We are Ellie Kristensen's grandparents, Dick and Julana Matson

Jonny Vineyard

November 29, 2013

Rest In Peace Duncan . I'm so happy I got the chance to see you one more time when I came out to visit. You will be missed thankyou for always making me laugh. Prayers go out to your family. Love you my friend .

Elizabeth Lowenstein

November 29, 2013

Our deepest sympathies to the Duncan kids and family. Your Dad is one of a kind, he's the King of humor and will be missed by everyone. Rest in peace, Duncan!!

Josephine McFarlane

November 29, 2013

Duncan Blanks was the most kind hearted individual I knew in my working career and outside of work at Hughes/Boeing and Space Systems/Loral. He was the BEST golf partner, we shared laughs with Ed, Kelly, Howard and the Santa Teresa bunch. Our golf was the display of every variety of hook, slice, and blooper known to man. With tears in my eyes, I have packed one of the Silver Creek CC plaques with Ed and Duncan, and am headed to Los Gatos for our remembrances. Jo McFarlane

Anita Harris(Otterness)

November 29, 2013

Even though so many years have passed since our time in High School I can see Duncan's smile and personality. My deepest sorrow and regret of this news. My prayers are for his family and friends.

Eric Hunsaker

November 28, 2013

What a wonderful friend! I could always count on Duncan to cheer me up. Many thanks for the lunches we shared through the years! He is loved by many. To his family, I wish to express my deepest condolences. My heart felt prayers go out to you at this time of loss.

Ed McFarlane

November 28, 2013

I will miss Duncan and our many years of working and golfing together. Duncan - you are in my prayers as is your family. I have spent the last day reflecting on our many memories together - from working on HS601 right after you came home from England to the multiple member guest days and men's invitational tournaments when we "almost" won.

Tony Dutenhoffer

November 28, 2013

To Duncan's family, you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We are all blessed to have had him in our lives.

Rest In Peace Duncan!!

Greg, Dawn, Geoffrey, and Derek Harms

November 28, 2013

Rare is such a kind heart as Duncan's -- he touched so many people. Long and lovingly will he be remembered. Miranda and Cooper: Your father was an exceptional man and an exceptional friend.

Andrea Kerry

November 28, 2013

Absolutely gutted :-( What fun we had in the UK, so pleased we managed to visit you in the US. Goodbye my friend, you will always be in my thoughts, so many special memories. Much love to all family and friends my thoughts are with you at this very sad time.

David Plenge

November 28, 2013

Rest in peace old friend,you are missed by many.

November 28, 2013

Sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Duncan was a great childhood friend. He will be greatly missed.
Dan & Bev Soria

. .

November 28, 2013

https://www.facebook.com/InMemoryOfDuncan

Marilyn Witt

November 28, 2013

Duncan,

You will be missed by all. You brought tears to my eyes and made by stomache hurt with laughter and joy with your hilarious sense of humor. Whenever I eat chicken, I will raise a wing or leg to you.

You will be with us forever in spirit.

R.I .P

Dwayne & Cam Rude

November 28, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers go towards Duncan's family and friends. Godspeed Duncan.

Tory Fields

November 28, 2013

Duncan was a wonderful classmate! I am so saddened by his loss. Sending loving and caring thoughts to his children and may God Bless you. Cherish his memory and know you will see him again someday in Heaven. Rest in Peace, sweet Duncan.

Debbie Grothmann Maheux

November 28, 2013

Duncan was such a wonderful man! My thoughts are with his children, family and many longtime friends.

Marcia (Huber) Heydt

November 27, 2013

To Duncan's Children and Family, Peace and Love to you.
Rest In Peace, Duncan. Thank you for the laughter.
May Angels Lead You Home...

November 27, 2013

With tears in our eyes we say goodbye to you.We will miss your smile and infectious good humor.
Rob,Jackie and Victor at Sports Page

Darling Fischer Chapel of the Hills

November 29, 2013

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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