Brooke Helm Duncan

1924 - 2020

Brooke Helm Duncan, a retired business and civic leader, died Monday, January 13, 2020, after a brief illness. Mr. Duncan was born in New Orleans on February 20, 1924. He graduated from Isidore Newman School in 1942 and at the outbreak of World War II, he immediately enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps as a fighter pilot. He led a squadron of Corsairs in the Pacific Theater, rising to the rank of captain, and remained a proud Marine all of his life. After the war, he attended Tulane University and graduated from Tulane School of Law. With a long career in business, Mr. Duncan was president of the Foster Co. among other companies. He was a director of Entergy Corporation, Hibernia National Bank, and the National Association of Manufacturers. Generous with his time and talents, Mr. Duncan served on several boards including Tulane Medical School, Tulane University, Citywide Development Corporation, Sci High Charter School, St. Martin's Episcopal School, Metairie Park Country Day School, the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, and the Metropolitan Area Committee. He also served on the vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church and was active with the Audubon Park & Zoo. Mr. Duncan reigned as Rex, King of Carnival in 1971, the 100th anniversary of Rex, and led the organization for many years including as its president. He was a member of the Boston Club as well as several other social clubs and carnival organizations. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fly fishing and racing sailboats. Mr. Duncan was predeceased by his parents, Brooke Helm Duncan, Sr. (for whom Duncan Plaza is named), and Berenice Steele Duncan; and his sisters, Catherine Steele Duncan Banbury and Berenice Martha Duncan Modisette Womack. His beloved wife, Kitty Foster Duncan, died in 2005. Survivors include his children: Brooke Helm Duncan III, Richard Foster Duncan (Shaun), Johnson Kelly Duncan (Carmen), and Katherine Duncan Sherrill (Stephen); and his grandchildren: Brooke Helm Duncan IV (Hope), James Grimshaw Duncan, Katherine Saer Duncan, William Rushton Foster Duncan, Johnson Kelly Duncan III (Brittany), Stephen Carter Sherrill, Jr. (Sarah), William Duncan Sherrill, and Katherine Simmons Sherrill. The family wishes to express its thanks to the physicians and staff of Touro Infirmary, Dr. Ricardo Febry, and Mr. Duncan's caregivers, Sara Garcia and her family and Trinell Sippio. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Avenue on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 11:30am with visitation starting at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to the charity of your choice or to Trinity Episcopal Church or to the Pro Bono Publico Foundation, Box 531024, New Orleans, LA 70153. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.