OBITUARY: Tom DUNCAN

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Murray Duncan, 94, of Cascapedia-St. Jules, Quebec on June 25 in Prince Edward Island. He was the beloved husband of Shirley Kitching and father of Ian Duncan. He is also survived by his sister Marjorie and numerous in-laws and close friends.

Born in Banff, Alberta, Tom was the son of Constance Coleman and Donald Duncan. Tom and his sister moved at a young age to the Eastern Townships to live with an aunt and uncle when their mother died and their father went off to war. He completed his education at Sir George Williams University and began a career which led him to the Iron Ore company of Canada in Seven Islands (Sept-Îles), Quebec, where he met and married his wife Shirley, a teacher from Quebec City. As an adventure in 1960 they moved to Gaspe Copper Mines of Canada in Murdochville, Quebec and have lived in the Gaspé ever since. Tom retired from his position of personnel manager at the Belledune Plant in 1986.

Tom was an active member of every community in which he lived, and his leadership skills meant that he was a prime mover in many organizations, particularly the Murdochville Ski Club where he was instrumental in the building of the ski centre and was president of the club for many years. He was a man for all seasons, skiing in the winter and enjoying his other passion, salmon fishing, throughout the summer. Tom was one of the organizers of the Cascapedia Salmon Society. His love for community involvement led him to become mayor of Cascapedia for a few years, and he was a leader in the founding of the Richmond Manor, becoming president of the board for 15 years.

Throughout their life together Tom and Shirley travelled extensively, visiting old friends and making new ones.

A man of honour, courage and wisdom, he will be greatly missed.

There will be a visitation at the Thibideau Funeral Home in New Richmond on Friday, July 21 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. with a Masonic service, followed by a celebration of Tom’s life at St. Andrew’s United Church in New Richmond at 3 p.m.