Albert Walton Duncan

Walt was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, educator and friend whose life was defined by devotion to family, education, community and the outdoors.

Born on October 31, 1938, in St. John, New Brunswick, to George Duncan and Joy Duncan (nee Gubb), Walt grew up in Toronto’s West Hill area with his older brother, George Allan “Al” Duncan, and sister, Marlene Cater.

Walt began teaching at 18 while completing a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Western Ontario and later a Bachelor of Education at the University of Toronto. Starting as an elementary French teacher in Scarborough, he advanced into school administration and became an elementary principal with the Scarborough Board of Education. His long career was dedicated to students and school communities—and, according to family lore, spent largely in the same trusty tweed jacket—until his retirement in 1993.

His connection to education continued in retirement through lasting friendships and the Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTO/ERO), where he represented District 42 – Mainland British Columbia for many years.

After retiring, Walt and his wife, Linda Coppin, moved their family to Vernon, British Columbia, where he embraced the outdoors and contributed actively to recreation, conservation and the Okanagan community. Retirement also gave him time to make far too much dried fruit during the Okanagan harvest season, at one point turning the garage into what could only be described as a dried-fruit factory.

He served for several years as president of the Vernon Outdoors Club and could reliably be found on Sunday hikes, Tuesday rambles and Wednesday bike rides. He also supported efforts to improve access to trails, cycling and outdoor recreation. An avid skier and longtime Ski Partner at Silver Star Mountain, Walt was known for his vintage red ski boots, total lack of fashion sense and unmistakable style.

He was also deeply involved with the Allan Brooks Nature Centre and volunteered with Citizens on Patrol through the Vernon RCMP. A gifted fundraiser, Walt seemed able to convince almost any business to donate a door prize in support of the many charities and community organizations he championed.

Walt loved to travel and document every scenic view, then generously made sure family and friends saw every last photograph—often converted into old-school slide shows. In the kitchen, his skills were famously terrible, with one notable exception: his killer Caesar salad.

In 2018, after the birth of his second grandson, Marco, Walt and Linda returned to Toronto’s West Hill/Rouge area to be closer to family. He treasured being part of his grandchildren’s lives and spending more time with his daughters and extended family. In his later years, Walt lived with Alzheimer’s.

Walt is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Coppin, his daughters Carolanne (Juan) and Georgia, his grandsons Matias and Marco, sister Marlene (Gord) and a large extended family and many friends.

To his family, he was Dad, Grandpa, husband and brother; to generations of students and colleagues, a respected teacher and principal; and to friends in British Columbia, a dedicated member of the outdoor and conservation community. He leaves a lasting legacy in the many lives he touched and will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Please join us for a drink as we share memories and celebrate Walt’s life on Sunday, October 18th from 2-4 at The Black Dog Pub, Scarborough. In honor of Walt and his passion for nature, hiking/outdoor attire is recommended.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Allan Brooks Nature Centre (https://abnc.ca/support-us/), an organization that was meaningful to Walt.