I did not have the pleasure of meeting Don, but growing up I heard many good stories about him from both my grandmother, Edith Tait (nee Browning), and my father Stuart Tait.  As a practising professional engineer, I have been told about Don's eminence as an engineer and I take pride in knowing that I am carrying on a family tradition for engineering.  Our love and thoughts go to all our family in Kansas.  James and Lara Tait

I got to meet Don on my travels for Ripon College about a year ago, and I will not forget how kind he was to see me. I also will never forget seeing him sit among all his papers and books—he was a lifelong learner. On behalf of Ripon College, I respectively send thoughts of sympathy to Don's family and friends.

I was transferred to Kansas City as a young engineer in 1970 and worked directly for Don until the time he left the firm.  I quickly learned that if you went to Don with a problem, you better also have a solution. Then he would let you know if you were right. He was one of the most respected professionals in the company and in the local engineering community.  His mark is on many of the major landmarks in town. I was proud to work for and with him.  He was such a role model, not just for an work issues, but for life in general. And he loved his family.  I can still see the look in his eye whenever Diana would walk through the door. The world is a little better place because of Don. I will miss him.

Don was my second cousin, the nephew of my grandmother, Edith Browning (nee Duncan).
Don was 15 years older than me, and I have warm & happy memories of meeting him in the late 1950s. To a young English boy, he seemed the archetypal American...crew cut, confident, and full of laughter and joy. When Judith & I stayed with Don & Diana in Kansas many years later, only the crew cut had changed.  Don has lit up the lives of many people, & we send our love and sympathy to our family in Kansas at this sad time.  Stuart and Judith Tait.

I knew Don for 35 years beginning in the mid 70's working in the caves at Woodward-Clyde Consultants. The consumate professional, Don treated everyone with kindness and respect but did not suffer fools if you will. I learned a great deal from Don, especially when he decided that management was not something he was interested in and left to pursue what he loved to do, his own consulting. This is a lesson that I wish more of his peers would have heeded but very few were ever as bright and in-touch with themselves as Don. I adored his lovely wife Diana too and enjoyed a special friendship with her, especially on the dance floor! Don, I will miss you greatly as I miss Diana too. You are one of a kind and there are no more. May you live on forever in the hearts of those that love and cherish your memories. With respect and love,
Gary J Banta

OBITUARY

Donald M Duncan

January 6, 1929 – January 6, 2014

McGilley State Line Chapel

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