Duncan Jay Richey Jr.

The world is a little less funky today. Duncan left us on January 25 and we will never be the same. He left behind a legacy of love and joy. Duncan lived the fullest life in his short 54 years. He never failed to end any conversation with his family with “I love you”. He was always up for a good time, whether it was kiting, a hockey game or music, Duncan was always ready.

He was the best husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Duncan and Debby started life early. They met at 14, had 2 children before they left high school and were married at 19. That would be a recipe for disaster for many but it was the beginning of an amazing life for them. Thirty-five years of marriage, each day bringing new adventures and joy.

Duncan had so many hobbies and interests through the years but two threads ran through his entire life, a love for music and finding his way onto the water. Duncan was a California surfer kid growing up but there are no oceans in Texas so he found kitesurfing. He loved that the kite allowed him to “surf” in Texas. Kitesurfing gave Duncan a whole community of people who became his dear friends. The last thing Duncan did was kitesurfing, and according to his kite buddies who were with him at the end “he was having a blast on the lake and had a huge smile on his face.”

Music was one of Duncan’s greatest loves. Getting to watch Duncan at a live show was pure joy. He was never more alive than when standing up front at a show, dancing his heart out. Duncan also loved and respected the musicians. He was always excited to talk to them after the show. We called it “beating down the band”, but it has become obvious that it wasn’t a beat down for the band. One of Duncan’s favorite musicians said it best, “Duncan was the fan who became a friend.”

Family was the center of everything for Duncan. He loved big. Duncan made sure that we all knew our value to him and that he truly and deeply loved us. He taught us to have fun, to live life with a passion, and never waste an opportunity, and to always say “I Love You”. He has left a legacy for his children and grandchildren, really a roadmap for living the best life. A piece of him lives on in each of them.

Duncan is survived by his wife of 35 years, Debby, two Daughters, Jennafer Touchet and her significant other Justin Thiels, Elizabeth Dunn and her Husband Jerod Dunn, six grandchildren, Madyson 20 and her significant other Martin Bowser, Brenden 18, Haydynn 16, Max 11, Ethan 9, and Charlotte 6. One great-granddaughter, Avery 2 months old, his mother Judy Lukin Richey, his two brothers, Brian (Kerri) Richey and Doug (Nicole) Richey and his uncle John (Judy) Lukin. As well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless other family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by Lucille Lukin (Grandmother), Johnny Lukin (Grandfather), Bobby Lukin (Uncle), and Duncan Richey Sr. (Father).