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 Duncan Irvine 1924 - 2009 Duncan Robert James Irvine, or Dunc, as he was usually called, was born on June 1st, 1924, in Wellwood Manitoba. He was the middle child in a family of three children – Warren, Duncan and Barbara. When he was three years old his parents moved to the Peace River country, living first in Beaverlodge and then on a farm just north of Albright. Dunc attended the country school of North Beaverlodge Elementary and later graduated from Beaverlodge High School. As World War 2 was in progress at that time, he joined the RCAF and became a pilot. He flew Lancaster bombers over Europe for a total of 34 missions. After discharge, he lived in Vancouver and attended university for one year - however, he found the curriculum boring and didn’t return. His parents had bought a small country store in Arras and while Dunc was there he met Julia Wangler, the love of his life. They were married on November 24, 1949 and had five children, Darlene, Teddy, Diane, Donna and Terry. Unfortunately, they lost Teddy when he was three years old as he was struck by a car. In 1956 they moved to Dawson Creek and Dunc opened a Cockshutt dealership. He sold this dealership in the late 60’s and, in the early 70’s, bought a ¾ section farm in the East Pouce area. Duncan and Julie remained on the farm until 1999 when they moved to the community of Fire Side Glenn. Duncan was an entrepreneur. He enjoyed farming, truck driving and managing his farm implement dealership. He loved flying and owned three different airplanes, flying throughout Western Canada to visit friends and family, often stopping to fish along the way. He was also an avid sportsman. He enjoying hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and boating. He excelled as a marksman and was gifted with luck at cards, fishing and life. With his first attempt at fly fishing, he caught the “catch of the day”, a 15 pound Steelhead after a mere 6 casts….at least that’s the story as Duncan told it! Duncan had a sharp wit and a great sense of humour (sometimes at the expense of others). One family friend, Sharon, has a childhood memory of seeing her beloved Scottie dog being chased out of the garden by Julie with a broom. Duncan came home as the “saga” was ending and saw Sharon’s distressed face. He gave her a wink and eyeing the broom, said “you should see her when she’s riding that thing”! Of course Sharon didn’t quiet understand the joke at the time, but she remembers her parents laughing and enjoying the comment. One of Dunc’s favourite labels for family and friends was “Bonehead”. Just recently, sitting across the table from his daughter, Dunc asked “what are you looking at”, to which she gave the usual reply---a bonehead” and without missing a beat he replied, “there’s no mirror behind me”. Rich foods and deserts were Dunc’s weakness. Desserts were hidden to ensure he ate his dinner first. His son in law, Jim, remembers going on a fishing trip with him and after a long drive in the motor home, he turned around and drove many miles back to the grocery store because he forgot to buy cream for the peaches. Duncan’s middle years were full of happy times with family and friends. There was dancing at East Pouce Hall, frequent card games, and fishing. In 1999 Julie and Duncan celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. However, in 2006 progressive dementia led to his admission to Rotary Manor where he was well cared for and loved by the staff. Duncan passed away just two days short of his 85th birthday on May 29 in Dawson Creek. He was always there for his family and could be relied on in any situation. He will be remembered for his love of his family, his loyalty, his generosity, and his quick wit. A Prayer Service was held for Duncan on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 7:00 pm at Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. A Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 also at Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church with refreshments following the internment at Brookside Cemetery . Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Duncan by way of donation to the “Alzheimer Society of British Columbia” 9005 – Lyman Drive, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, V1G 3N1. |
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Dawson Creek: (250)
782-2577 Serving Fort St. John: (250) 785-2872 |
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