Harold G. Duncan

1928 - 2016

'Chief' Harold G. Duncan
Chief Harold G. Duncan (retired), 88 of Upland, passed away on 8-25-16 at Kaiser Hospital in Fontana, CA. He was born on 8-6-28 in Comanche, TX and lived in Montclair/Upland area for 83 years. He worked as a Firefighter for 74 years. Harold G. Duncan was one of the three original employees hired by the Monte Vista County Fire Protection District in 1950. On July 1953, Chief Duncan was appointed as the Fire Chief. At 24 years of age, he was the youngest fire chief in the state. On January 1, 1967, the City of Montclair assumed responsibility for fire protection.
Throughout his career, up to his retirement in 1983, Chief Duncan lead the Montclair Fire Department through many changes that impacted the fire service. He led the department from an Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating of Class 8 to the highest possible rating of Class 1. Chief Duncan was not just open to new ideas and ways of delivering the best service possible within the means available, Chief Duncan encouraged his subordinates to challenge the norms. His encouragement inspired people to be the best they could be. That motivation and inspiration is validated by the fact that no less than nine people that were directly hired by him went on to become Fire Chiefs in departments throughout California. Chief Duncan was not just a leader of a fire department; he was a leader of leaders.
He was a member of The Masonic's Lodge #301 in Ontario, and Elk Lodge #149 in Ontario. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was an avid traveler and enjoyed driving the U.S. visiting historic locations and aerial museums and took many ocean cruises. Harold is survived by his daughter Kathryn Moody and husband Jim, grandchildren Jason Moody, Travis Moody (wife Lisa), Great grandchild Savannah Moody. Harold is preceded in death by his wife Charlotte Duncan and daughter Sandra Evans. Services will be on Tuesday, September 6th at 11 a.m. located at Draper Mortuary, 811 N. Mountain Ave., Ontario, CA 91762. Intermet will be in Bellevue Cemetery following the services.