Douglas Calvin Duncan passed away suddenly at his home on June 1, 2020. Doug was born December 23rd, 1927 in Salt Lake City, Utah to John Charles Duncan and Laura Leona Yorgason Duncan. Doug grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and graduated from East High School and the University of Utah. He later graduated from dental school at the Univeristy of Iowa.
Doug served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the London, England mission. During his time there, he and other missionaries organized a missionary basketball team that played against Olympic teams, Oxford & Cambridge Universities and a tour of games against communist teams. He had the distinction of being named a CIA spy by Pravda (the Russian Communist Newspaper) for his time spent there. Upon retuning from his mission, during dental school years, he played basketball on the Iowa team. That team went on to the NCAA semis the first year and the finals the next.
Doug married and was sealed to the love of his life, DeEtte Jones, in 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple. At the time of his passing, they had been married 66 wonderful years. Five children blessed their family, and we love and appreciate their loving example of a lifetime of selfless service and devotion to each other. Just a few days ago, they had remarked how lucky they have been to spend so many years together.
Following Dental School, Doug served as a captain in the army in Anchorage Alaska. Doug loved to fish and hunt, and many stories of his hunting and fishing prowess (some true fish stories) have been shared of his exploits. Doug and DeEtte returned to Salt Lake, where Doug continued his dental practice for 36 years. He was an exceptional dentist and loved by all. He also loved to sing, frequently to his captive audience patients while working on them in the dental chair. He has loved his family, crossword puzzles, gardening, golfing, and especially fishing! We’re certain he’s enjoying flipping a fly with all his fishing buddies right about now!
Doug was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and gave a lifetime of service to the church. His service opportunities included working in the Bishopric, working with the youth, teaching and serving many years in the temple with DeEtte. He leaves many close and dear friends from his ward family. He was an eternal optimist, led and taught by example, always had a little boy twinkle in his eyes, and never spoke poorly about anyone.
Doug is survived by his wife, DeEtte, children Doak (Brenda) Duncan, Dixon (Michelle) Duncan, Deon Duncan (Keith Rogers), Dana (Scott) Nuanez, Dylann (Geoff) Ceriani, 15 grandchildren and 20 (with one on the way) great-grandchildren, sister Jean Duncan, brother Robert (Nola) Duncan, sister-in-law Peggy Duncan, and many extended family members of the Duncan clan. Preceded in death by his parents, 5 sisters (Ione, Jasmine, Arlene, Gwen, and Maxine), one brother (John), and great grandson Joey Goodrich.
The family extends special thanks to Laurie Buehner for her loving care.
Due to concerns with Covid-19, a small graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 6th at 2:00 pm at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park for immediate family members only. We know many would like to pay their last respects, and give DeEtte a hug, but must limit her exposure at this time. Graveside services will be broadcast via Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/wasatchlawnmemorial . Please leave online condolences for the family at www.larkinmortuary.com.
Sincere condolences with love from the Leatham family.
I am so sorry to hear about hear about his passing! I have such fond memories of my childhood with your family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
I wish to express my sympathy to DeEtte and her family. It is true, he was a great optimist. We enjoyed our association with your family in the 7th ward.
I met Doug when I was in the U.S. Army in Anchorage, Alaska - I played basketball against his team and we became friends. When I went to see an Army dentist, I would see, when possible, Doug Duncan. After over 20 years we reconnected when our daughter Diane Campbell played volleyball at Brigham Young University and Doug's daughter Dylan Duncan played - when I learned the Doug was Dylan's father I gave her some news clippings which described Doug Duncan as "Bruising Doug Duncan" and on occasion when I attended a VB match the Duncan's would also be attending and we had a chance to visit. Look forward to seeing him again on the other side.
Dear DeEtte,
Our love and prayers go out too you at the passing of your beloved Doug. (What a shock to us).
We have so many fond memories with Doug in the British Mission and in more recent years as well. He has ever been a noble son of God.
We honor you and send our love and condolences to you and your family.
May peace by yours,
Sherman and Karma Rae Sheffield
Dear DeEtte and family,
It was a privilege to work for "Dr. Duncan" for several years and to be associated with you all during that time. He is a great man and was a great "boss". I am so sorry for your loss, but know he will still watch over each of you. May Heavenly Father's blessings continue to be with you at this time.
Dr. Duncan was my dentist for many years and yes he would sometimes sing while working on my teeth. Always cheerful, he will be missed.
My sincere love to all the Duncans, and sympathy for you; Doug Duncan was one of my earliest heros, who taught me how to play better basketball, and live the gospel. He was a great man and faithful teacher. Blessings to you all
Doug Holt
DeEtte I send my love and hugs to you from the Featherstone family. We are so surprised and saddened at the passing of Doug and grateful for the knowledge of the gospel that will reunite you for eternity. I’m sure that tomorrow on their ‘Friday’ fishing day, Doug, Dad, Jerry and Fred will be “checking the rock, at the second crossing, for a fair day of fishing”. May you be comforted at this difficult time by family and friends. We Love You!!
To DeEtte and all of the beautiful Duncan Family,
Sending you all my deepest condolences and gratitude to you. I have so many fond memories of Doug and his deep voice, easy smile and laugh. So many days playing in your yard, eating cherries until we got sick, jumping on the "tramp." Throwing rocks for DD deep into the undergrowth for hours on end. Exploring the gully up and down. Such a welcoming and lovely man at a difficult time in the life of our family. So present and joyful. Words fail to express how much you all mean to me. I'm a better person for knowing him. All my love your way,
Jeff Taylor
Dr. Duncan was our family dentist for many years. Yes, he did sing to us and we loved it. Because I moved away, I had to get another wonderful dentist, but I always missed Dr. Duncan.
My Mother was Mary (Jensen) Douglas, (from Byron, Wyo.), and her sister was Louise (Jensen) Jones from Otto, Wyo.. I am very sorry for your loss.
My love and condolences to this wonderful family! I was blessed to have enjoyed Doug's rich deep base voice singing in church choirs, to have been first introduced to nymph fishing by him (which I still enjoy), and to have been served by him in his many capacities in the church. However, I am most grateful to him and his incredible wife for raising their 5 wonderful children, one of which was a best friend growing up. They all had a very positive influence on my life! Till we meet again!
Oh, the memories of Doug and DeEtte Duncan and their wonderful children in the 7th ward! We are saddened by this news of Doug's passing. The world has lost a vibrant soul who blessed many lives .... including ours. We send our sincere love and admiration to the Duncan clan. You will always be in our hearts! We love you, Jack and Rosemary Wixom
My heart is broken for each of you. Doug was one of my favorite people ever! He and DeEtte were quite the active, fun, charming couples our family loved. Doug will always be my favorite dentist! I have fond memories of family gatherings and fun stories told by my parents after a night out with the Duncans. May you find peace in knowing he is strong and healthy once again. Doug lived a long wonderful life. I wish I could hear his laughter or his singing one more time. Love Ruth
Dearest DeEtte and Family,
My heart aches for you and your family in the loss of this absolutely wonderful man. Doug was always so kind, cheerful and uplifting. His heart was as big as he was...always loving, thoughtful, giving and warm. DeEtte, you and Doug are so very, very dear to me and my family. You saw me through some very difficult times and helped lift my burdens more times than you will ever know. I could always count on your love, support, inclusiveness and encouragement. I loved listening to his beautiful deep bass voice that made the choir sound so much better. I have such wonderful memories of all of us together. I want you to know how very much I love you and all of your children. You and Doug have raised a beautiful family together and have been a great example always of what a very loving, happy couple looks like.
May God bless all of you and may you find great peace in your hearts as you remember Doug's life which was so very well lived. ....a selfless life that brought so much happiness to others.
With much love,
Shirley McKay Britsch and family
To the Duncan family,
My condolences to all of you. Growing up "next door" neighbors, you were all a second set of family to me and mine. We love you guys and hope you feel our love and good thoughts for all of you during this hard time. Much love,
Steve and Quisha Wilkinson and family
Always friendly. Always kind. Always positive. Always genuine. Great family. I can visualize the Savior saying the words "Well Done!" to Doug.
We will miss you, Doug. Always friendly, kind, and helpful, you were a man we all looked up to--both for your physical stature and your towering example.
Richard M. Romney and family
Was a patient of Dr. Duncan's for many years. Took good care of my teeth. Enjoyed visiting with him at Ritz when he came to bowl. Very nice, gentle giant.
We watched the grave-side services today and were thankful for all of the reminders of that great man that we have known for years. We shall always remember that beautiful deep bass voice, not only as he sang in the Ward choir, but when he spoke. Whenever a teacher or leader needed something read in class, they often called on Doug because everyone loved his voice.
I mentioned the other day that Doug was special to me. He was always friendly and called me cous. In looking through the genealogies, I learned that Doug's great grandfather was William Duncan of Scotland. William Duncan was the first of the Duncan clan to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. William, his wife, and four of their children, Adam (Doug's grandfather), Peter, Catherine and James emigrated from Scotland in 1861 and settled in Salt Lake City, Utah. Catherine married John Thomas Moon, my great uncle, and Peter's son, Peter Jr, married Amanda Moon, my great aunt. So we were double "cousins" through marriage only. I descended through Nephi, John Thomas' and Amanda's youngest brother.
Doak & Brenda,
Doak, so sorry to learn of the loss of your father. Reading about your father, it is clear, he was an amazing man.
Tom and I are thinking about you and your family.
Sincerely
Tom & Cindy