I met Mike when he was Trials Officer for the "Halifax" class frigate program, and was always impressed by his "no nonsense" approach to the job. Mike succeeded me as Divisional Master of the Maritimes Division of the Company of Master Mariners of Canada, serving for a record 4 years, and showing great administrative skill. Mike's dogged devotion to duty was demonstrated in his support for Hazel in her final illness.My condolences to the family; Mike represented all that  is best in seafarers, and was the finest of men.

Michael was a splendid fellow. I first met him in 1961 when we served together in HMCS Lauzon, which I believe was his frist Canadian ship. Although I left the Navy in 1968, our paths would frequently cross and it was always a pleasure to be in his company. We had hoped to see him in Halifax this past September, but evidently it was not his day to stop by R A Park. Too bad for us. My wife Angela joins me in sending you our most sincere sympathy in your loss. Douglas Hinchlfife

  Did not know Mike too well, but know he was an Officer and a Gentalman. To his family I share the loss of his passing.
                                                                William H. Yallop CD

My condolences to Mike's family.
We spent a great deal of time together carrying out the sea trials on the various CPF vessels, and Mike's ability to keep cool and composed through all of the tribulations and excitements of that first ship was nothing short of amazing. His contribution to the continued success of those vessels can not be overstated. He remains the best ship handler I ever sailed with, and I still miss those days.

My condolensces to the Duncan Family. Mike was a gracious, friendly gentleman, who personified the naval officer. Whether he knew one's name or not, he introduced himself and made one feel instantly comfortable and included one in the conversation. He was the first to offer a guest a glass.  Thanks Mike. Norm Duinker

Mike and Hazel will stay in our thoughts and prayers, sincere sympathy, Ian and Isabel Cook.

Mike was Divisional Master of the Maritimes Division of the Company of Master Mariners of Canada during the reform of the Canada Shipping Act.Mike ensured that the mariner's voice was heard at reform meetings, whether or not the bureaucrats wanted to hear it, and the new Canada Shipping Act bears his mark. Mike was a fine seaman, a gifted administrator, and a good friend. My condolences to Bruce, Alastair, Audrey, and families.

I'm sorry to hear, and will long remember his teasing. I send my deep condolences.

Mike was a fine gentleman and a pleasure to know. I met him while he was volunteering at Camphill Veterans Hospital.  Please extend my deep regrets to his family.
Bob Mann  Halifax

To Mike's family, very sorry to hear of Mike's passing.  He was a fine sailor and a great shipmate.  My heartfelt condolences go out to you all.
Peter Cairns Vice Admiral (Ret'd)

To Mike Duncans Family and many friends:  He was one of the best Naval Officer I have ever had the pleasure of working for/with. He will be sadly missed by many. William L Marlow Retired CPO1.

I was a MSRT under him in HMCS ASSINIBOINE, and I have never served under a better officer. He was strict, fair & reasonable. He once misunderstood a report I gave him and dressed me down on the IKKA A (a multi station net on the ship, with lots of people listening in). I knew he was tired and just let it pass, but after a couple of minutes he realised his mistake and instead of ignoring it, or apologising in private, he made sure his apolgy went out on the IKKAA so that everyone who heard me dressed down would know it was his mistake! His crew loved him and would have followed him into anything,at any time, anywhere.

PO1 Curran JG (Retired)

My deepest condolences on Mike's passing. I sailed with Mike in 1956-1957 on M.V "Orestes" when we were both midshipmen with Alfred Holt & Co. (The Blue Funnel Line). Subsequently we met again (accidentally) when he was in St. John's, Nfld. in command of HMCS "Assiniboine" where he was very welcoming to me and my family. Although I had not seen him since then, I well remember him as someone I was honoured to know.
Don Knight

It was my priviledge to serve as Mike Duncan's XO during his Command of ASSINIBOINE. His professionalism was always present as was his "common dog" to most issues that needed to be addressed. It was a singular pleasure for me to serve with/for him. During this time our families, especially his dear departed wife Hazel, and my wife Faye, became very close family friends - and that lasted over the years.
When he became Irving's "Master of Motor Vessel "X", where "X" was a variable" (as we referred to him in the CF Project Office) >> I again had the pleasure of going to sea with Mike during the CPF Trials program. His prime aim was always to ensure/contibute very positively to our Navy's new Fleet. 
Faye and I extend our most sincere condolances to his sons, Bruce and Alastair and Mike's extended family.
Mike, may you and Hazel rest and live in peace up there. God Bless!!

I was sorry to read of your father's passing. My connection to your family was through my father when we would gather as the Clan Duncan.Both your mother and father were always so kind to my daughter and me and always made certain that we were not lost in the chatter of the elders.Because your father and I share the same first initial I have had many a phone call over the years looking for Mike Duncan and it always amazed the caller that I was able to redirect them to the correct phone number.It helped to solidify the kindness of Scots and the Duncan clan. My sincere condolences. 

Marilee Duncan ( daughter of the late
Donald McCrea Duncan

I was privileged to serve with Mike in HMCS Preserver and to work with him during the CPF Project. His sense of honour and duty set a fine example to all individuals across a broad spectrum of rank and station. He was a great Scotsman and even greater Canadian and I too shall miss him.
Bill McRitchie
Nanaimo BC

To Mike's family,
   I was very sorry to hear of Mike's passing.  We shared a townhouse for 7 months in St John NB while overseeing the building of HMCS Protecteur which we both subsequently served in.  He was an outstanding naval officer and friend and will be sorely missed by all of us who served with him and knew him, he was one of a kind in the best of traditions,

George Kolisnek
Ottawa, Ont

Mike was appointed to HMCS Lauzon in late 1960 where Russ was serving as Supply Officer.  Mike arrived alone in Halifax which is not a good thing at Christmas. We had the pleasure of taking him under our wing over the holiday period.

We are so sorry to learn of his passing which is much too soon.  Our sincere sympathy to his family.

Russ & Valerie Butler

To the Duncan family,

Mike was an officer and a gentleman in all respects.He leaves us with a cherished legacy of "Service to Others".

He will be sadly missed and long remembered.

Barry and Brenda Keeler

I seem to have known Mike during all, and after my Naval life, so much so that I have forgotten when and where we first met.  I especially remember working with him in CPTO in Halifax, and later when I was posted to NDHQ.  Even though we have lived half a country apart for the last 30 years, each and every time we did meet there was that immediate very special contact between two trusting and loyal friends. 

Mike was one of those few, very special friends one is so fortunate to have in their lives, and with whom one has worked, drank and told lies, laughed and cried, but always, always knew we had each other's back!

I shall miss him!

                                                         Denny Boyle
                                                         Rear Admiral (Retired)

To Mike's family,
So very sorry to hear the news about Mike.  A fine, honourable naval officer, exceptional seaman, and loyal friend.  Please accept Ellie's and my sincere condolences.
Roland Burton
Captain RCN (retired)

Michael was a good friend and a fine sailor. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Art & Suzette Schwartz

OBITUARY

Michael John Duncan

12 March, 1938 – 2 November, 2012

JA Snow Funeral Home

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