Richard G. Duenckel

1931 - 2016

July 22, 1931 - January 8, 2016 Richard Gordon Duenckel died in Burbank, CA, at age 84. Born in Los Angeles to Herbert and Grace Duenckel, he graduated from North Hollywood High School ('49), LACC with an A.A. ('52), and Pomona College with a B.S. in Geology ('54). He served in the U.S. Army, Signal Corp., and was stationed for 18 months in the Philippines. Upon discharge, he began his career at Lockheed and also earned a B.S. in Engineering ('60) and an MBA ('67) at Cal.State.LA. He retired from Lockheed after 30 years as an Administrative Engineer in 1987. Richard met Shirley Wilber through mutual friends in July 1956. After a six-month courtship they were married on January 19, 1957, at the First Methodist Church in North Hollywood. Richard and Shirley had been married 59 years. Beloved by his family, Richard is survived by his wife, Shirley, their daughters, Laura O'Brien, Darcy Kyburz, Kelly Duenckel, and Marla Boyle, and six grandchildren. Richard was a member of North Hollywood Lodge #542, where he was Worshipful Master in 1978. He served for many years as an officers' coach and secretary and received the Hiram Award. Richard was a member of Chapter 403 of the Order of Eastern Star, and served as Associate Patron twice. Richard was very active in the Masonic youth groups, Job's Daughters and DeMolay. In his later years, Richard was treasurer for the Toluca Lake Garden Club for 8 years. Richard enjoyed golf, hiking, and backpacking completing all 220 miles of the John Muir Trail on his third attempt in 1994 when he was 63 years old. He was a big fan of the Dodgers, UCLA football, and of the TV show NCIS. In his 70's, he was able to realize a life-long dream of racing homing pigeons. His family and friends remember Richard as a kind and considerate man, quick to volunteer, who could always be counted upon to provide assistance with whatever was needed. He will be deeply missed. Services for Richard will be held on Monday, January 25, 2016, at 9:30 a.m., at the Church of the Hills, Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068.