Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Richard Duncan Obituary
Born in Tacoma, Washington on August 21, 1932 and raised on Alki Beach, Richard was a proud West Seattleite. He was the middle son of Ethel and Bruce Duncan, with brothers Bruce & Donald.
From Alki Elementary, Madison Junior High, WSHS class of 1950 onto his doctorate degree from University of Washington, where he was later a professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
He was a passionate world traveler and explorer -- traveling to six continents with highlights including the Galapagos Islands, Egypt's Pyramids, India, China, Kenya and Russia. He backpacked all through Europe, and mountain climbed all the Cascade volcanoes and hiked extensively throughout the Pacific NW. He was a fierce environmentalist and co-founder of Portland's ORE Plan in the early 1970's- the nation's first curbside recycling program. He worked in his field for Boeing & Puget Power, and at SESCO in Saudi Arabia.
He was a scientist, scholar and writer with numerous published works. An inspirational visit to Chaco Canyon in New Mexico became the starting place for his later work on man and energy. His opus was the Olduvai Theory, research and predictions on world energy and population. He was invited and spoke on this topic at the United Nations, Yale and many prestigious events and institutions.
Richard was well-known for walking around the wonderful North Admiral neighborhood with his signature mountain trekking poles. He waved and talked to old and new friends on his adventures. He was a true minimalist- his life mantra "Simplify, simplify, simplify". He had a strong handshake, a fantastic laugh, warm hugs, great humor and beautiful blue eyes. His girls have memories of an abundance of homemade yogurt and bread and enormous backyard gardens.
He loved his family- daughters Delana Duncan, Janine (Brian) Monnin & Lisa (Michael) Bunker &his five grandsons Wally, Clive, Vonn, Theo and Duncan. He was very proud of his Norwegian & Scottish heritage.
He passed away peacefully at home, on March 12, 2016 surrounded by his 3 daughters.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Duncan
Sponsored by The Family.
4 Entries
Mike Byers
April 15, 2016
I feel very lucky to have run across Richard during one of his walks in the Admiral district in West Seattle. He was a happy interruption to weekend yard work over the years when he would stop by to talk and share some of his latest observations. He was always happy, always welcome, and he will be missed. I will never forget when he led a number of us on a local tour of the electrical grid in the Admiral district. Thanks for the tour Richard. We'll miss you.
April 13, 2016
You can tell the core quality of a man by how his own children felt about him, and I can honestly say Rich's three daughters loved him very much.
Patrick McNally
April 12, 2016
Proud to have been listed in his acknowledgments on The Social Contract and proud that he bought lunch for me in July 2015. I'll miss him.
Richard Pelto
April 12, 2016
Richard was a valuable contributor to a discussion group I organized in the 1990s called the Third Place Academy.
It was devoted to understanding from as wide a perspective as possible the potential consequences of continuing ecological degradation, resource depletion, deepening of the population "footprint," and continuing political and economic unsustainability.
That led to his becoming a good friend and advisor who is sorely missed.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Duncan's name
Memorial Events
for Richard Duncan
People and places connected with Richard
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Richard's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Duncan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
