humans in real life. This includes his 3 male children, 2 bonus female children, 8 grand and 2 great-grandchildren, multiple in-laws and extended family in many states. In his 82 years, David touched the
lives of many in his world. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and grew up in a military family moving
from Utah to Texas, California, Rhode Island, Florida and Connecticut. He attended the University of
Utah. David was fortunate and missed the Vietnam draft but joined the U.S. Army where he was –
assigned as an engineer/ bridge builder with the Army Corps of Combat Engineers out of Fort Leonard
Wood, Missouri. He was able to capitalize on his artistic and computational background and as a result
became a very talented, self-taught mechanical engineer. During his career he utilized these skills in
developing, designing, selling and installing conveyor belt systems for multiple local and national farms,
food production plants and industrial companies in Kansas City, New York, and Louisiana. David also
worked in several local, well known establishments as side-gigs including the Muehlebach Hotel, Harlings
Upstairs Bar and was part owner of the Monastery in Brookside. In 1963-ish David officially moved to
Kansas City and may or may not have lived in a backroom at Kelly’s Westport Inn for a short time. This
has yet to be confirmed by those in authority and may rightfully be denied since his mother did not
know and likely wouldn’t have approved.
This same year he met 2 people who ended up being very influential in his life- his first wife, Patricia
Hutto (Hut), and his life-long friend, Gerry Seymour. David and Hut started their family with three boys in
1965 and stayed in Kansas City. They divorced in the early 80’s. David and Gerry had many adventures
and between the two of them attempted to start the Kansas City Cricket Club which did not do well and
eventually their interest moved to the sport of rugby. In 1964 David and Gerry started the Kansas City
Rugby Football Club (KCRFC). An injury in the early 70’s brought David’s playing days to an abrupt end but over the next 3 decades they were instrumental in that sports footprint in the local, regional, national
and global levels with various clubs/ organizations- Kansas City Bulls, Kansas City Blues, Heart of America Rugby Football Union (HOARFU). David developed an intense love for auto racing and eventually became involved in Classic and British racing societies and clubs, eventually connecting with a friend with the Westport Photo Racing Group. He was a founding member of Age and Treachery Racing Group and enjoyed this until he went blind and was no longer able to drive. He could frequently be found listening to most motorsports afterwards and to many stories from his racing friends and family. He remained an intense racing fan until the days before his death.
During these busy years, he met the other love of his life, Susan Reese. They were married and
honeymooned in Scotland, England and Wales in 1988 during a World Rugby Tour with hundreds of his
global Rugby family. This is when David obtained his 2 bonus daughters. They built a fantastic life in
Brookside, Kansas City. Susan remained at his side until the moment of his peaceful passing. Susan was
his wife, partner, caregiver and our hero for being there for David throughout.
It is entirely possible that I have made mistakes in the above dissertation with names, dates and / or
various acronyms which are listed in no uncertain order. So, if I made a mistake, please take it as the
gentleman I know you all to be and lift a whisky anyway!
David was preceded in death by his beloved son, Michael Chamberlain Duncan; his mother, Bernadine Duncan; father, James Bruce Duncan; and his first wife, Patricia. His remaining family: brother, Robin
Duncan (Eunice); wife, Susan Duncan; children, Chris Duncan, Tim Duncan (Rocio) , Hopeful Gregory
(Stephen), Katherine Bonderer; grandchildren, Amalia Patricia Duncan,Steven Michael Duncan, Mary
Elizabeth Duncan (Clara), Chloe Luna Lux, Gracie Madeline Gregory, Emma Soleil Lux, London Louis
Gregory, Alexandria Orion Emile-Ergas; and great-grandchildren, Clara Isabelle Duncan and Amari Parish;and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends around the world will miss his presence.
David was a curious creature, storied and boisterous! He was a friend to anyone who stopped to talk. He
was loved by many, respected by most and feared by few! In lieu of flowers please consider donations to
Rockhurst University Scholarship Fund to Continue Education in the name of DUNCAN. There were many involved but specifically the family wishes to thank Dr. Ramillo Gatapia for your help in those last weeks,the staff at Jefferson Healthcare for their diligent care of David and Susan and Three Rivers Hospice fortheir rapid and incredible support at his end.
We will be having a celebration of life for David at Kelly’s Westport Inn on Saturday, June 3, from 1-4 pm with a special presentation at 2:00pm. If you knew David or Susan and wish to lift one, please join us but tend your own tab please! We all know David loved a party- we look forward to seeing everyone.
If I still drank, I would be raising a whisky tonight!
Fair winds and following seas, Dad.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com for the Duncan family.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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