Michael James Duncan

Michael Duncan Obituary

DUNCAN MICHAEL JAMES "MIKE" Michael died August 15, 2004 at La Jolla Shores, while practicing scuba diving. He was 55 years old. Mike was born in North Bend, Oregon, and loved the Ocean Beach community where he spent most of his life. Mike served in the United States Army and he graduated from American River Junior College. He enjoyed his career with Hawthorne Rental Services, and in his free time, he traveled the world to surf and dive. The greatest love of his life was his wonderful daughter, Lyssa Clayton of Paso Robles, CA. Mike was the eldest son of the late Harry L. Duncan and Mildred Duncan Ellis. Mike lived life to the fullest, and those who knew him admired his unfailing humor and generosity. Left to mourn and celebrate his life are his mother, Mildred and her husband Vincent Ellis; four sisters, Patricia, Mary, Lenore and Alice; two brothers, Devin and McHenry; and many relatives and friends. A Memorial Celebration was held August 20. The next day Mike made his final dive at sea, with family and friends as witness to God's embrace. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Mike's name may contribute to his favorite orphanage: Orfanatorio Casa de Esperanzas KM 8 CARR. Libre Ensenada Col. Del Maestro Tijuana, B.C., Mexico. Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Sep. 5, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Duncan

14 Entries

Mildred Ellis

August 20, 2005

A year has passed since Michael left us. Each day I have thought about him, and each day I feel closer to him in a way that I do not always understand. This is a mystery. One day I may understand. Last week my husband, Vincent, and I went to Ocean Beach. We viewed the Memorial to Michael; a simple stone set in the cement sidewalk near the Seawall at the corner of Abbott and Newport. The American Flag is close. His name and the dates of his birth and death are etched on the stone.The Pacific Ocean was before us. As we stood there, a group of young Junior Lifeguards walked by. A fitting tribute to Michael--he would be pleased.

Mildred and Vincent Ellis

September 27, 2004

This is to recognize the Life Guards (Brady Holden; Rob Brown; Bridget Morusczak; Catherine Alexander; Sarah Giacalone; Sgt. Charles Mazur), fire fighters, and emergency medical team who cared for Michael on the beach at La Jolla Shores on the day that he died, August 15, 2004. We cannot thank you enough for your valiant effort to save the life of our son. Michael would have said that you did your very best. We are all very proud of you and thank you very much. GOD bless you all.

Heather Duncan

September 9, 2004

Mike was my kissin cousin. I had such a crush on him when I was 11 or 12. He was just too cute. I only visited with Mike 4 or 5 times as an adult but each time it was like we were just picking up where we left off, without the kissin. I had so much fun last summer at our family reunion rafting with him and my other cousins. I was impressed when he jumped in the rapids and saved Lenore who had been tipped out of the raft. Mike always had a great smile. He took such good care of his Dad & Mary. What a sweet heart, he will be missed. See you Heaven Mike, Heather

James and Rachele Ellis/Pease

September 9, 2004

Although, Mike had entered our lives a short two years ago, we are grateful and honored to have known such a kind person. He will be sorely missed. For us, we will especially miss having his company at Thanksgiving dinners. We have enjoyed hearing about Mike's wild adventures, seeing pictures to prove he really did all those crazy things and most of all, watching him gobble up the feast we had prepared. Our Blessings to Mike and the rest of his family.

Dan Wuchina

September 9, 2004

Mike; You were a great friend and neighbor. I can think back to over 25 years of so many fun times we enjoyed.Way to much fun, but thats what you and our great friends enjoyed doing together. Mike we will miss you very much.

Mildred Duncan Ellis

September 9, 2004

Michael, my heart is broken. However, I know you'll mend my broken heart, since that's the kind of man you are. You are the kind of man who comes forward to defend those who cannot defend themselves. Remember the time that the school bully kept tripping the younger kids as they got on the school bus, and even though you weren't very big yourself, you challenged him to a fight. I don't remember who won; however, he never tripped another little kid on that bus. And how well I remembver the many times you bought two tacos at Niko's in O.B.: one for yourself and one for the first hungry looking man on the street. When you were very young, you told me you were afraid that you would not know how to become a man. You and I talked about how one could decide early in life the kind of man he wanted to become. You must have chosen to be a good, fun-loving, fair considerate, happy man since that's how I'll always remember you. In time, those thoughts will begin to mend my broken heart. Thank you, Michael. I love you. Mother

Vincent and Mildred Ellis

September 9, 2004

We cannot find adequate words to express our love to those who helped pull Michael from the water at La Jolla Shores. We sincerely thank the lifeguards, the paramedics, and, yes, the good people who stood close and prayed that our Michael might survive. He left us at a place he loved so well--the Pacific Ocean. He will be in our hearts forever. Michael's family and friends.

Lyssa Clayton

September 8, 2004

Dear Friends,

It's difficult to find the words to describe the thoughts and feelings I've had since losing my dad. I miss him more than words can express and I'm comforted hearing and reading other's thoughts and feelings toward my father. He was loved by so many, it comforts me to know that although he left us too young, he lived a really great life and I don't doubt that he left us without regrets because he truly lived life to its fullest. I'll miss his jokes and his sense of humor the most, but thankfully the memories will live on forever. Thank you everyone for your kind words. In the words of my father, God loves you.

Christy Leonard

September 7, 2004

I am so sorry about the loss of your son, father and brother.I was at the beach with my family when they found Michael. I have thought about it everyday since. I kept searching the paper everyday to see if I could put a name to the face that I saw at the beach. I was touched when I read the obituary. It sounds like Michael was a man that loved life and adventure. It sounds like he was loved by all.I thought his family should know that the lifeguards and the paramedics fought hard to save his life. Many prayers went out for him at this time.I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.

Fletch Little

September 7, 2004

Family and Friends of Mike:

I just learned of Mike's passing today. It made me think of the teenage years we spent together. They were wonderful years, growing up in the neighborhood on Hambletonian Dr. in Eugene. Mike was a great friend and companion. I've missed him in the years between high school reunions and enjoyed him greatly when I saw him. I miss him more now. My heart goes out to all of you who knew him and loved him well. He was a happy guy and that's how I will remember him.

Celebrating Life

September 7, 2004

Dixon LeGros

September 7, 2004

To Mike's family and friends,

Mike was my friend for over thirty years. We shared many great times together. We moved to So. Cal together, climbed Mt. Whitney, sailed, played baseball, shared a house....and the road trips...what great memories. We could share stories that would get us both laughing out loud. I will miss him a ton.

Rest in peace.

Devin Duncan

September 7, 2004

Thanks to all the friends that helped my family with our loss; Mike was a guy that attracted good people... I am happy that he was able to do that one more time. I will miss him forever. Little Bro' Devin.

Patricia Stephens

September 5, 2004

Awww, Mike. The good Lord took you too soon, but your work on earth must have been done. You were a good and kind man, generous with your time and your love. Your passing has left such a hole in my heart -- and, as your eldest sister, I will always miss my Mike. May your heart enjoy peace, and your love continue through your family and friends. There just won't be another Mikey.

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