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Alan Duncan Obituary
The second child of Doris and John Duncan, his family called him Butch. He was brother to Jack Duncan. He was the beloved husband of Anne Valentine Duncan, devoted father to Abigail Vannington Duncan and Jessica Stuart Duncan, and loving grandfather to Sarah Grace Valentine Esposito and Jameson Romer Esposito. He also leaves his best friend, David Haight.
He was interested in sharing what he had learned with others and did so warmly.
He served in the Peace Corps after college. He and Anne moved to Canton in 1972 where they raised their daughters and numerous dogs. He enjoyed a career teaching young children and eventually he worked with children and their parents to deal with troublesome times. Alan participated in areas which drew his interest and commitment, particularly the Canton Dog Park and the North Canton Fire Department, where he shared a pair of black dress shoes with Jimmy Carpenter, worn at parades. He believed in the mission of the Canton Land Trust. He enjoyed woodworking which was self taught. It took him seven years to build a catboat and when finally launched, it floated well. He was not so interested in sailing, it was the puzzle of building the Denman B., his boat, that fascinated him.
Alan enjoyed both tennis and golf. The New York Giants was always his team.
He was a sweet, gentle man who was friendly and welcoming with people and animals. He had excellent manners and he was a generous host. He will be missed every day.
Please, in memory of Alan, be present with your friends and generous to your community.
Memories and Condolences
for Alan Duncan
Sponsored by the family.
9 Entries
Jennifer D
March 18, 2024
To Alan's Family
In exploring some documents from my childhood, I found an assessment that Alan conducted as my school district's psychologist when I was 9 years old (20 years ago). I was inspired to reach out, as the assessment brought me to tears. I struggled tenderly with my mental health as a child, and for many years as an adult avoided reading my psychological assessments for fear of re-igniting the trauma of feelings alone and misunderstood. I've spent many years growing and healing my relationship with myself. Presently, I am a therapist myself and have finally felt scaffolded enough to dive into the details of my own developmental history over the last few weeks. Though reading the various documents was mostly difficult, the assessment that Alan provided was an experiencing of healing I'll forever be thankful for. Alan was the only doctor to frame what I saw as deficits as a child into strengths. His assessment of me and understanding of my experience was empowering, and an incredible summation of what I've worked to discover about myself over the last decade. I had hoped to reach out to Alan to express my appreciation for him, and for his gentleness and understanding of a child that never felt that she was appreciated. It was sobering for me to realize that Alan had passed, and just a year before I discovered his assessment. I spent the day mourning for him, and I hope that by sharing my story with you, it can serve as another reminder of the impact Alan had on even strangers, 20 years ago. He seems like he truly embodied kindness, and I am so lucky to have been a part of his legacy, and for him to have been a part of an incredible feat of healing for me. I am truly honored. If you'd ever like to hear more, feel free to reach out.
Tracy Gibbons '66
November 30, 2023
Hello Anne/Nancy--I'm sad to read of Alan's passing in the SC Alumni notes. I can see that he was talented, generous, loving, and well-loved.I was touched to see that he named his boat for your dad. I remember being at your wedding; you've both been blessed to have spent many years together!
Love and condolences and to you and your family--Tracy Gibbons
Paul Wagner-Schaeffer '67
November 30, 2023
Alan was a valued and important teammate of mine on the S.C. freshman basketball team in 1963. A good memory of mine as we went 17 - 3 that year.
RIP Alan
Paul Wagner-Schaeffer
Sylvia Freeman
October 2, 2023
Anne and family. So very sorry to hear about Alan. He was a lovely man.
Karen V. Richards
October 2, 2023
Alan was a sensitive and gentle person. I remember him as a dedicated educator. My heartfelt condolences to my dear friend Anne and her family. Karen Vandersloot-Richards
Deborah Stone
October 2, 2023
To the Duncan Family.
Alan was a colleague in Suffield but also helped guide our son in the early days of his schooling. Such a kind, dedicated and caring soul who made the world a better, and happier, place.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends!
Ellen Lynch
October 2, 2023
Dear Jessica and family, My heart & thoughts are with you at this time of loss.
Love, Ellen in RI
Susan Bunting Emile & Serge Backes
October 1, 2023
We are honored to have known such a wondrous man. He will forever be in our hearts ! We are grateful that our paths were lucky enough to have crossed. Our sincere condolences to Anne , Abby & Jess.
Ross Retterer
October 1, 2023
Alan went from Peace Corps buddy to life-long friend. There could not be a better, more honest or more honorable person. Descansa en paz, Jefe.
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