James Anthony Duncan
March 22, 2017
With gratitude and sadness, Tony’s family announces his passing from this life on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 in London, Ontario. He is yet loved by Carroll, his bride of 40 years. Gracious father to Jet (Joan) Takaoka and Jane (Calvin) Zwaan. Adoring Papa to Kelsey, Kailey, James and Anna-Lise Zwaan and Kaitlin, Evan, Olivia and Jennifer Takaoka. Fondly remembered by his sister Harriett (Clifford) McNamara and by many nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by his parents Harry and Ira, and his siblings Ardelle (Jim), Tommy (Barb), Mickey (Ray), Robin, and Sharon (Roland). Tony was born September 15, 1933 in Parry Sound, Ontario. He adventured into the world by joining the Royal Canadian Navy. His earliest deployment was during the Korean conflict on HMCS Huron tasked with “train-busting” and escort actions. He spent much of his navy career in Halifax, NS. Transitioning from the Navy to Canada Post, he would become Station Master in Bedford, Nova Scotia. Introduced by his sister, he created a great love story when he married Carroll. She was a widow with two children whom he raised as his own. He built them a house by a lake and filled it with joy. Tony was a lifelong learner. He studied music as an adult, learned to paddle a canoe, played cribbage, baked pies and butter tarts, gardened with some success and crafted elegant Victorian screen doors. To his wife’s chagrin, he and their teenaged son bought a motorcycle to conquer. To his great pleasure, Tony built two houses and a cottage. He loved to work with tools and wood. He was born to travel: the Navy took him around the world and his family drove him around the bend! Family road trips were a regular occurrence including an epic cross-Canada drive in 1976 with his new bride and the kids. As his health declined, he still ventured out to BC, Nova Scotia and the Caribbean. Tony was a gentle soul to all who knew him. A child of the Great Depression, he knew how to give generously. He was hospitable and social to everyone, always putting the coffee on to share. No trip “to town” was made without one, or multiple stops at Tim’s. Tony did not often speak out, but when he did, he had something to say. He retained his great sense of humour even in failing health. His caregivers were often left smiling at his quips. Greatest of all, Tony had a quiet and enduring love for his Saviour, Jesus Christ. With Carroll, Tony served as a long-time member of Bible Baptist Church in Halifax. On the last morning of his life, he joined in the hymn sing with other members of Parkwood’s Veterans Care. His favourite hymn was, “Why Should He Love Me So?”. His family is thankful to the many caregivers who assisted Tony, especially to Karen, Linda, Elen, Rebekah, Mike and the compassionate staff at Parkwood. A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 7, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, with Reverend Donald Calder officiating. Visitation will be held one hour before the memorial service. Memorial gifts to HOPE International Development Agency (www.hope-international.com) would be kindly received.
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So sorry to hear of Tony's passing.
Carol, our dear friend: We have read again the account of Tony's life and your love and loss. There was nothing new there to us who knew you both. We thank the Lord for the privilege of knowing you over many years, and have benefited much from your friendship and from sharing the Parkinson's journey together. Hard though it has been, it has been made more blessed by the presence of the Lord and your friendship. I'm sorry health problems made it impossible for us to be at the Memorial Service Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you each day and we hope we can spend some time together soon. Earl & Marlene
So sorry to hear about your loss. Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Tony was a good friend to me while at Canada post. Louis and Ann Halifax
So sorry to hear about your loss. Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Tony was a good friend to me while at Canada post. Louis and Ann Halifax
Carol and family, was so sad to hear of Tony's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in this time of sorrow. I worked with Tony at the Post Office in Halifax and had many coffee breaks with him and always found he was a kind man always looking at the positive side. I have thought of Tony many times and just recently thought about him. I retired from the PO in 2001 and move to BC (Vancouver Island). He will be missed but fondly remembered by me.
So sorry, Carroll, to hear of Tony's passing in the paper today. I so remember always hearing what a sweet and gentle man he was. He will be greatly missed. May God's peace surround you.
Carol: Thankyou for letting me know of Tony's passing, my heart was saddened by the news as I told you. Tony was such a lovely person, kind always considerate of others and helpful. He would help us so many times when we moved next door to you with fixining things, and even my nasty Bru Bru loved Tony. Those butter tarts were the absolute best, and the times I shared meals with you at your home was always such a comfort. Forty years of a loving partnership, and friendship you have many good menories to comfort you. Kayla and I are sharing in your loss,and want to let you know he touched all who met him. To you and your family our condolences.
We are very saddened to hear of Tony' passing. As his obit stated, he truly was a gentle soul. We couldn't have had a better neighbor (Lake Echo) as he was always ready to give a helping hand. Our children will always remember the day he surprised them with fancy chocolates from B.C. May he rest in peace and May our Heavenly Father bless your family and comfort you during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Tony's passing. While we know he is home, he will be deeply missed. I have many great memories of the house by the lake and the youth events there. Tony was an awesome man and indeed showed the love of Christ on a regular basis. I always appreciated his words of wisdom and even rebuke, given in his gentle manner. His smile and care will never be forgotten. You are in my prayers also, Jane and Jet, as I deeply understand your loss.
Dear Carroll and Family; Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. As he crosses the bar; we hope the wonderful memories that you and Tony have made together will help you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dear Carroll,Jane,Calvin & family,Jet, Joan & family, our deepest sympathy with the loss of Tony. He was a real jewel of a man and loved all of you with deep devotion. He loved his Lord sincerely treated his fellow man with respect and courtesy. He was a real gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as well as the ever lasting arms of our Lord.
I am sad for you Jane and Mom and family as you miss your Dad and hubby's presence. Praying for God's sweet comfort and His Presence to surround you all.
So sorry for you & your family's loss!! Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers!
Dear Carroll, So sorry to hear of Tony's passing. You have been such a faithful wife and caregiver. May you and the family experience the Lord's peace and comfort at this time.
Hi Carroll, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, but very happy to hear of heaven's gain. My love to the family.
So sorry Caroll to hear of Tony passing , he was such a kind & caring person with a heart of gold . He will be sadly missed , my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this time of grief & loss .
I'm sorry to hear of your loss Carroll, Cal & Jane, Jet & Joan, and families. Tony was such a sweet, gentle man, always kind and caring. I know he will be missed by everyone who knew him. I pray that God will be near you, comfort and strengthen you in this time of grief.
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this time. My prayers are with you all.
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To the Family: My sincere condolences on the passing of Tony, I had the pleasure of serving/sailing with him as my yeoman on HMCS Nipigon. Will always remember him as a person of faith and genuine gentleman. RIP Tony
~ Kenneth Rafuse