Alistair Lefevre Duncan

Alistair Duncan passed away in the early hours of February 6th at North Shore Hospice, at the age of 91. He stubbornly fought cancer, while also losing his sight, surpassing doctors’ expectations and thoroughly enjoying his long and full life.

He will be deeply mourned by his wife of 65 years, Irene, his children Alistair (Jean-Ann), Fiona (Murray) and Morag (Bryce) and his eight grandchildren, Garrett, Spencer, Kyle, Liam, Callum, Kalayna, Tavish and Keira, all of whom he was exceptionally proud.

Alistair was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1931. His family moved to Dundee, where he attended Morgan Academy. After National Service with the Royal Artillery, where he retired as Captain and joined the reservists of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, he took a job in the City Chambers. There he met Irene, his future wife.

After earning his degree as a Chartered Accountant, Alistair and Irene emigrated to Prince George, Canada. More accurately, Alistair emigrated, and after settling in sent Irene an invitation—to their wedding. She happily accepted, and after joining him in Canada the couple were married on August 31, 1957.

In Prince George, Alistair’s industriousness was quickly recognised by local entrepreneur Ben Ginter, who took Alistair under his wing and gained him experience in everything from ranching to construction and brewery management.

In 1967 the family moved to West Vancouver, where Alistair took a job with Swan Wooster Engineering. He worked for the firm for twenty years, first as a bookkeeper and eventually as President and CEO. After two decades traveling the world with Swan Wooster, Alistair took a role closer to home as Chief Operating Officer of the law firm Ladner Downs.

In “retirement” Alistair volunteered with the Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO), where he lent his financial expertise to assist local Indigenous bands, as well as to efforts abroad in China and Ukraine.

Alistair was an avid runner and, in later years, a skilled walker. He was a member of Fit Fellas, a player of bridge, a talented gardener, and a teller of great stories of his life’s many adventures. He will be remembered for his resourcefulness, determination, good humor and thoughtful (and always accurate) advice. He was an inspiring man, and he will be dearly missed.

His family would like to thank his GP, Dr. Sadri, Dr. Berthelet at the BCCA, Home Palliative Care, and the wonderful staff of Lions Gate Hospital 7 West and North Shore Hospice.

A private family service will be held on February 17th. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully asks anyone who wishes to contribute to consider a donation to LGH or North Shore Hospice.