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Duncan Smith Obituary

Duncan C. Smith
1937 – 2021
Springfield – Duncan Campbell Smith, 84, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Born on May 10, 1937 in Milwaukee, WI to Hermon E. and Catherine (Campbell) Smith, he was raised and educated in Greenwich, CT, and Marblehead, MA.
He was a graduate of Phillips Academy, Andover and earned a degree in English literature from Princeton University. After serving his Country honorably as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Artillery Division, Duncan earned his Law Degree from Yale Law School.
Duncan began his legal career serving as a clerk for a Supreme Court Justice for the Oregon Supreme Court in Salem, Oregon. He later returned to Connecticut, eventually residing in Greenwich, CT, to raise his family and continue his law career. Duncan became a partner in the Greenwich law firm of Parker, Badger, Fisher, Cohen, and Barnett. Duncan later in his career moved to Chemical Bank in New York City to become the Deputy General Counsel
In 1993, Duncan moved back to Oregon and began a consulting business. This move led him eventually to working for the Oregon Building Congress where he was instrumental in helping develop a partnership with Oregon public schools to help decrease high school drop outs and provide training programs for educators showing the crossover between the teaching of math and science with the building trades. During his time in Oregon, Duncan cherished his volunteering in the City of Portland Public Schools, reading to classes and working with students on their reading skills.
Duncan leaves his loving children, Gregory Langdon Smith and his wife, Julie, of London, England, Gordon Campbell Smith and his wife, Marianne, of Springfield, and Andrew Gilbert Smith and his partner, Kathleen, of Portland, OR; his brothers, Bink Smith and his wife, Linda, of Steam Boat Springs, CO, Norman Smith and his wife, Wilma, of Vermont, Pamela Harvey and her husband, Paul, of Florida, and Richard Gilbert and his wife, Barbara, of Florida; nine grandchildren: Christine, Caylie, Campbell, Paige, Myles, Michaela, Maeve, Willa and Neve; and two great-grandsons, Archer and River. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his former wife, Carol Langdon Smith in 2000, stepbrother, Jerry Gilbert and stepsister, Louisa Gilbert Alexandre.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, October 22, for Duncan's funeral home service at 9:00 a.m. at Hafey Springfield Chapels, 494 Belmont Avenue.
Committal prayers with military honors will follow immediately after the funeral home service at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Duncan's name may be made to the Springfield School Volunteer Read Aloud Program. Checks should be made payable to Springfield School Volunteers and mailed to 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103. To leave an online expression of sympathy for the family, please visit www.hafeyfuneralserivce.com

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

Published by Greenwich Time on Oct. 20, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Duncan Smith

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Jennifer Rao

September 21, 2023

I just came to know of Duncan Smith´s passing. I was a secretary working at Chemical Bank. He was a wonderful person. My deepest sympathies to the family. May he rest in peace.

Maralyn Martindale

February 6, 2023

I met Duncan in late 2015 in Portland OR. He and I shared a history of serving in the Military, although I am much younger than he was when we met. We shared many stories and I was in awe of his service to the community. He was truly a very special person and I will miss him dearly. My sincerest condolences to all of his family and to his doggy. I am happy to know that he spent his last years surrounded by those who loved and cherished him.

Susan Sturges Spagnola

June 23, 2022

I have just learned of Duncan´s death. I was a colleague of his at Chemical Banking Corporation. We worked hard and laughed so much. It was devastating to learn that he is no longer with us. He was one of a kind. He made not only the workplace , but the world, a better place. He was so proud of his boys and I am sure he would say they are his gift to the world. My sympathies to all. May your happy memories be many!

John & Tracie Hart

May 26, 2022

Smith Family Members...
Our deepest sympathies. Random search for Duncan revealed his passing to us. We are so sorry for your loss. Great memories of all of you guys and your Dad and Mom. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Becky Soth

October 30, 2021

Duncan was our neighbor and friend in Oregon. He was a treasure. Our fondest memory of Duncan was a book he was writing, "The Adventures of Coco and Reggie". He would give our young daughter chapters to proof and they would discuss them when she was finished pouring over them. He encouraged her love of reading and her imagination. She adored him and still speaks of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate Duncan.

Bill Duncan

October 29, 2021

Duncan was such a wonderful friend over several decades. I remember those wonderful fun-filled days at Belle Haven and then we worked together at Chemical Bank. I was sorry to lose him a neighbor when we both left Greenwich but I was always grateful to have had him as a true friend. I will miss Duncan and I offer my deepest condolences to his children and family. Good bye my friend. Your Godfather.

Lori Lovallo

October 22, 2021

My heartfelt condolences to the Smith family. What wonderful memories of your dad. I recall a lot of laughter at our parents' get-togethers - they sure knew how to have a good time! My thoughts are with you all during this most difficult time.

Tony Lovallo

October 21, 2021

Sad to hear this news. Mr. Smith was a dear friend of our family. Only the fondest of childhood memories gathering with Greg, Gordon & Andrew at their CT home with countless hours of fun and adventure thanks to the love and hospitality of their wonderful parents. WARMEST SYMPATHIES AND PRAYERS FOR EACH OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES AT THIS TIME.

Megan Brainard

October 21, 2021

I loved getting to know Duncan. I helped him pack before heading to Massachusetts. He was wonderful and I am so sorry for your family's loss.

Lynda Abel

October 17, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of your father´s passing, Gordon. He was a very accomplished man who contributed so much. My thoughts are with you and your family.

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Memorial Events
for Duncan Smith

Oct

22

Funeral service

9:00 a.m.

Hafey Springfield Chapels

494 Belmont Avenue, MA

Oct

22

Committal

Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery

1390 Main St., Agawam, MA

Funeral services provided by:

CLOSED-Hafey Funeral Service & Cremation

494 Belmont Avenue, Springfield, MA 01108

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