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Douglas Duncan Obituary
1927-2020
Douglas Calvin Duncan passed away suddenly at his home on June 1, 2020. Doug was born December 23rd, 1927 in Salt Lake City, Utah to John Charles Duncan and Laura Leona Yorgason Duncan. Doug grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and graduated from East High School and the University of Utah. He later graduated from dental school at the Univeristy of Iowa.
Doug served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the London, England mission. During his time there, he and other missionaries organized a missionary basketball team that played against Olympic teams, Oxford & Cambridge Universities and a tour of games against communist teams. He had the distinction of being named a CIA spy by Pravda (the Russian Communist Newspaper) for his time spent there. Upon retuning from his mission, during dental school years, he played basketball on the Iowa team. That team went on to the NCAA semis the first year and the finals the next.
Doug married and was sealed to the love of his life, DeEtte Jones, in 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple. At the time of his passing, they had been married 66 wonderful years. Five children blessed their family, and we love and appreciate their loving example of a lifetime of selfless service and devotion to each other. Just a few days ago, they had remarked how lucky they have been to spend so many years together.
Following Dental School, Doug served as a captain in the army in Anchorage Alaska. Doug loved to fish and hunt, and many stories of his hunting and fishing prowess (some true fish stories) have been shared of his exploits. Doug and DeEtte returned to Salt Lake, where Doug continued his dental practice for 36 years. He was an exceptional dentist and loved by all. He also loved to sing, frequently to his captive audience patients while working on them in the dental chair. He has loved his family, crossword puzzles, gardening, golfing, and especially fishing! We're certain he's enjoying flipping a fly with all his fishing buddies right about now!
Doug was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and gave a lifetime of service to the church. His service opportunities included working in the Bishopric, working with the youth, teaching and serving many years in the temple with DeEtte. He leaves many close and dear friends from his ward family. He was an eternal optimist, led and taught by example, always had a little boy twinkle in his eyes, and never spoke poorly about anyone.
Doug is survived by his wife, DeEtte, children Doak (Brenda) Duncan, Dixon (Michelle) Duncan, Deon Duncan (Keith Rogers), Dana (Scott) Nuanez, Dylann (Geoff) Ceriani, 15 grandchildren and 20 (with one on the way) great-grandchildren, sister Jean Duncan, brother Robert (Nola) Duncan, sister-in-law Peggy Duncan, and many extended family members of the Duncan clan. Preceded in death by his parents, 5 sisters (Ione, Jasmine, Arlene, Gwen, and Maxine), one brother (John), and great grandson Joey Goodrich.
The family extends special thanks to Laurie Buehner for her loving care.
Due to concerns with Covid-19, a small graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 6th at 2:00 pm at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park for immediate family members only. We know many would like to pay their last respects, and give DeEtte a hug, but must limit her exposure at this time. Graveside services will be broadcast via Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/wasatchlawnmemorial . Please leave online condolences for the family at www.larkinmortuary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Duncan
Barbara stevens
June 7, 2020
I loved uncle Doug. He was such a wonderful man. I just watched the service and it was such a special tribute. I really missed not being with all of you! So sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you. God bless you all. ❤
jack van ry
June 6, 2020
Dear DeEtte and Family
Doug has been A great friend and I was his 2nd patient (Gordy Crofts may have been 1st), and I remember all the years he treated me with novacaine. Our family appreciated Doug as our Dentist over the years. We shared many good times...he was down in our mouths often, and we got to listen to all his fishing, hunting, and of course the "Golf" stories.. as well as his jokes, and "tunes"....De Ette and Norma and Diane were wonderful assistants...We served in the StakeMission together. Doug was always pleasant , kind, a true friend, and an honest and skilled professional.
I know his memory will motivate the family to live up to his fine example of gospel living. Cherie and I extend our love and sympathy and know eternal blessings await you all.
Our Love, Jack and Cherie Van Ry
Rodman, Florez, & Theodore families
June 6, 2020
Dr. Duncan's dedication to dentistry provided our family with many years of exceptional service from his hand. Thanks to DeEtte and Doug for referring us to Dion Duncan, artist extraordinaire, who's pencil portrait of my husband, Mark Theodore, enhances our home to this day.
Charlotte Daniels Westbrook
June 6, 2020
I was very fortunate to have worked with Dr Duncan. He was my first employer after I finished Dental Assistant school. He was kind, considerate, thoughtful, funny, a great mentor and teacher, and he was respectful of others. He was so tall and I was only 5 but yet he never made me feel small in any way. I remember one time when he and DeEtte went out of town for a week and I stayed with the kids for them. Doak had to be taller than me but yet they were well behaved for me, which speaks well of the way he and DeEtte raised them. He was a happy person and I remember him singing to the patients. I have often thought of Dr. Duncan and DeEtte. He was a good man and my condolences to DeEtte and family.
Charlotte Daniels Westbrook
Karey Taylor Parker
June 5, 2020
Dear DeEtte, Deon, Dana, Dylann, Dixon and Doak,
My heart goes out to you as you come to terms with Dougs passing. I love your family. I love him. I have cherished memories of playing at your house as a child, and a memory of him in the garden, showing me a little money busha plant whose dried blossoms looked like shiny, cream-colored coins. He took such pride in showing me the garden. I always felt happy when we sat in front of Doug at church, because I loved to hear him sing. His deep, sonorous voice echoed in my soul. May God bless and be with you all. May you feel Dougs presence near.
Lisa (Taylor) Soper
June 5, 2020
I have so many fond memories of spending time at the Duncan home. I always thought it was the coolest house in the best location. I also have great memories of get togethers and growing up in the same ward - I can still hear Dougs laugh and singing voice! I remember that he was always so friendly, sweet, funny and caring and he made me feel so welcome and special when I was around. Im especially grateful for his constant care for my mom when she was single. He and your mom always watched out for her and they have always had a special friendship. ❤
Royal & Laura Hansen
June 5, 2020
We are sorry to learn of Dougs passing. He was a valued friend. Always upbeat and positive. I was privileged to have played basketball with him. We treasure our East Millcreek association with Doug, DeEtte and their remarkable children. Through Dougs good life, he left an important legacy for his family. We will miss Doug and extend our condolences and best wishes to DeEtte and the children, as you mourn his passing. Laura & Royal Hansen.
Cort Featherstone
June 4, 2020
Donna Banks
June 4, 2020
Dr. Duncan was out family dentist for many years. Yes, he sang to us while in the chair and we all loved it. When I married and moved so far away, I had to find another dentist who has been wonderful, but I have always missed Dr. Duncan. I am Donna (Douglas) Banks, my mother was Mary (Jensen) Douglas, and her sister was Louise (Jensen) Jones from Otto, Wyo. My husband is Steve Banks whose father Carl Banks was Bishop of the 1st ward or the 10th ward, I can't remember. I always loved Dr. Duncan.
Peggy D Silva
June 4, 2020
I have fond memories of Doug. He always had a smile on his face and and a song to sing. He was a fishing companion of my father, Robert Neel. I am sure there was a great reunion on the other side. My thoughts are with you all at this tender time.
Carolee Stout
June 2, 2020
Doug was my diligent, faithful home teacher for many years, even though he was losing his eyesight and it was difficult for him to walk. Im very grateful for how he blessed my life. He was an amazingly good man.
Carolee Stout
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