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Gail Duncan Obituary
Gail was married and sealed in the St. George Temple to Audrey Jones Houchen, Sept. 14, 1944. Their union was one of love, joy, faith, testimony, kindness, and unity. The sentiment in their song, "I'll be loving you 'Always',' was exemplified by Dad as he cared for Mom when she contracted Alzheimer's Disease.
Gail is affectionately known as Opa to his grandchildren. He was pleased to receive his son and his seven grandsons into the Eagle's Nest, and to help support his grandsons and two granddaughters on their LDS missions.
Dad's greatest legacy to us is his example of service, love, and hard work. He helped support his parents throughout their lives. Each year he grew a beautiful garden and always shared the harvest with his family and friends. He mowed lawns, shoveled snow, and did repairs for many neighbors.
Gail graduated from Millard High School as the student body president. He was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball and track. In 1939, armed with an academic scholarship, a bicycle, his father's best jersey cow, a sack of flour, and some bottled peaches, he made his way to BAC in Cedar City. Finding several part-time jobs to stay in college, he ultimately graduated from Utah State University with his Bachelor's Degree, and in 1972, from the University of Nevada with his Master's Degree.
He served his country as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII. From 1949 to 1985, Gail's employment was with Vocational Rehabilitation. He loved his clients, and helped many handicapped people become trained for and receive jobs. In 1966, he was named State, Regional, and National Rehabilitation Counselor of the Year.
Dad served God by living a life of honesty and integrity and by serving in many capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some of his callings include Bishop, Stake President, and four missions with his sweetheart: England Coventry, Cedar West Stake, Church Employment Center, and The St. George Temple. Dad loved family history, and produced the book, "Ancestors and Descendants of James Alonzo and Jessie Ann Duncan." Through his efforts, hundreds of his kindred dead have received their temple blessings.
Gail was truly a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. All of us have tender memories of fishing and camping trips, family gatherings, and reunions that he so lovingly organized.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, at 1:00 pm in the 2nd Ward Chapel (256 S 900 W, Cedar City). Friends and family may visit Friday evening from 6:30-8:30 pm at Southern Utah Mortuary (190 N 300 W), and Saturday morning from 11:30-12:30 at the church. Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be sent to www.sumortuary.com.
February 28, 2015
We are sorry that we just learned of Gail's passing. Tom worked with Gail for many years in Voc. Rehab. We know he will be missed. He touched many lives. Tom Crowther
John/Mary Seaman
February 28, 2015
John and I were so sad to hear of your father's passing. He was an important influence in my life as a wonderful Stake President when I joined the Church and as an example of a perfect neighbor. What a wonderful example of Christian service, kindness, graciousness and love. He will be missed deeply.
Also for me, Gail was a great example of a neighbor, priesthood leader and home teacher. I remember how he conducted stake leadership meetings. His demeanor was always kind, patient and encouraging. Since that time, i've been able to compare his style to others and i've always leaned back to how Pres. Duncan did things. From my viewpoint, he was very Christ-like in so many areas of his life. I'll remember him always as an example to me. J&M
Scott Boyter
February 23, 2015
Dear JoAnn and Dan,
Gail has always held a special place in my heart--a kind, gentle and loving man. Gail was the one that gave me the Melchizedek Priesthood just prior to my going on a mission.
I feel honored to call him "friend."
Craig and Kathy Barrick
February 21, 2015
Dear Joann and Dan,
Craig and I are so sorry for your loss. We have both lost our parents so we know how you'll miss your father.
Craig had the opportunity to work a little bit with Gail.
He retired soon after Craig started working but he said he remembers how kind he was with others he worked with and worked for and also how competent he was in his work.
That was a great service you provided him Joann to help him write his story. I know so many people will benefit from knowing the good things he did in his life and the testimony he had of the Lord.
We really enjoyed your talks at Stake Conference Sunday. That was so kind of you to follow through with your assignment in spite of your sorrow. We all benefited.
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February 21, 2015
Dear JoAnn, Neum, and families,
I have so many happy memories of playing with you, of walking to Dee's for a popsicle, of riding bikes and skating at the college, of building dams and wading in your ditch, and of your wonderful Mom and Dad. It's been many years ago but I felt of their love for each other and us. Such wonderful neighbors and memories! I know Mom and Aunt Mary have benefitted from your Dad's caring and unselfish love since we have all moved away. Please know we think about you today and send you our love and sympathy in your loss. Thank goodness we have the Gospel and it's teachings to help us through these difficult times. Love, Sharon Seaman Sevy
Verlene Kelsey-McKee
February 20, 2015
Joey and Dan--I was saddened to learn of the passing of your dear father. Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Love, Verlene
Anette Wolford
February 20, 2015
Dear JoAnn, Neum, and Families, Even though a lot of miles and a lot of time have passed since we were neighbors and playmates, those times are still vivid in my mind. You dad was such a wonderful part of those years and all the years since. I don't think Aunt Mary and Mom could have survived without his help and support when they lost their mates. I will never forget Gail and Audrey and the Crawfords on the dance floor. Such an inspiration to me. You all have my thoughts, prayers, sympathy and love. Anette
February 20, 2015
We extend our sympathy to you, JoAnn and Dan, at the passing of Gail. We have wonderful memories of our time in Cedar City and the association with your families.
Ron and Joan Martin
Lauren Varney
February 20, 2015
Our love and condolences to you, JoAnn, and your brother. My mom sends her love to you also.
Mary MacDonald, Lauren Varney
Dude
February 19, 2015
A very kind man, always a "builder of men". He will be missed!
February 19, 2015
On November 4, 1976, we were touched by the kindness of our Stake President, Gail Duncan. We were newly married attending SUU and living in a room at the El Rey Motel where my wife, Kimberly worked.
I received a message at school that my wife was in the hospital. She was six months pregnant and the baby wanted to come. Unfortunately, little Donald Doral Esplin was stillborn. Our little world was shattered. We left the hospital with no baby.
We had only been home for a short time when there was a knock on the door. As I opened the door, there stood our Stake President, Gail Duncan. He came in and talked with us showing an out pour of love. Then just before he left, he reached in his pocket and pulled out a $20 dollar bill. How he knew we needed it so bad I don't know. But that $20 dollars has passed through my hands to the hands of many others over the years. Gail taught a lesson in charity that I have never forgot.
Gail doesn't know this but 37 years later, we have 15 children. Two of which have returned back to the presence of our loving Heavenly Father.
President Duncan has truly been an example in my life of what a person should become and I have tried very hard to follow his example.
With Love, Lee and Kimberly Esplin
1689 Desert Dawn Circle, Santa Clara, UT 84765 435-673-5355 [email protected].
Joel Tate
February 17, 2015
I began my professional career in 1968 with the Utah vocational rehabilitation program (now called the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation). I spent my time working in the San Juan and Grand Counties area. Not long after beginning, I attended a meeting where all agency employees met together. It was there that I met a man named Gail Duncan who was the Director of the Southern Utah District based in Cedar City. I was very impressed with Gail who was so friendly and kind to everyone. I enjoyed the times that we visited over the years at meetings and activities. I send my condolences to Gail's family and friends. He will be missed by those left behind but Gail will never be forgotten by his loved ones, friends, and coworkers.
Anna Turner
February 16, 2015
I have such fond memories of Gail and Audrey. They were a great example of warmth and graciousness. I remember the well manicured yard and flowers, their welcoming spirit. Gail was always an attentive husband, and especially so during the time of Audrey's disability. He was (and is) a great man. The value of great men (and women) is felt through generations of their posterity. I send my love to you - his family.
Jim Parry
February 15, 2015
I send my sympathy and condolences. I have fond memories of your parents and their influence in my formative years.
Jim Hilton
February 14, 2015
Gail was a co-worker, mentor and friend as I began my career with the Utah St. Office of Rehabilitation Services in 1969.I learned much from him over my next 15 years as a counselor and then was lucky enough to follow in his footsteps as District Director when he retired in 1985.Gail was a kind man, a man who worked hard for the benefit of his clients. He was an example to me in many ways and I will always be grateful to him for helping me to get my start as a Rehabilitation counselor. He will be missed.
Tom Biedermann
February 12, 2015
Sorry to hear the news. Remember the visits with family as a young child at the family home over the Christmas Holidays. Gail was a good man.
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190 North 300 West, Cedar City, UT 84720-2508
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