Duncan Alfred Harkin

A Celebration of Duncan’s Life will be held at a later date.

Duncan was born July 30, 1928, to Duncan Claire Harkin and Alice (nee Mildren) Harkin, in Montgomery, Alabama.

Duncan is survived by his wife of 30 years, Judy Hardin Harkin, and three daughters from his marriage to Martha (nee Jacobs) Harkin, who predeceased him in death: Carolyn (Howard) Lieberman, Dr. Deborah Harkin, and Ruth (Paul Zengara) Harkin.

He is also survived by stepdaughters, Melody Robinson, Nina Sprouse, Harlana Hazlett, and stepson Harlan H. Hazlett, III. Duncan was a loving grandfather to David Korsgen, Russell Korsgen, Melody Anne Korsgen, René McConnell, Tyra Branch, and Ryan Sprouse.

Duncan attended the State College of Forestry at Syracuse, New York, graduating with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in forestry. He used this knowledge, working for Westvaco Lumber Company in Georgetown, SC, before entering academia as a professor of forestry at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. Earning a PhD. in Applied Agricultural Economics, Dr. Harkin served as a Professor at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, retiring from that position after 25 years. He also served as an Extension Agent during that period. As a professor in land resource economics, Dr. Harkin did research in the Menominee Indian Reservation in Wisconsin, in Alaska, Ghana, the Philippines, and India.

A life-long sailor, Duncan, brought his last sailboat Dawn Dance, when he moved to New Bern in 1994. His interest in sailing led him to be active in the Cape Lookout Sail and Power Squadron where he held many offices, and the Black Beard Sailing Club.

His life-long love of nature and commitment to conservation led him to be active in the Neuse River Foundation, serving in several offices.

Living in a historic house was the basis of becoming one of the founding members of the Historic Downtown Residents Association, where he was very active for many years.

Being of Scottish heritage, it was a natural choice to become active in the Scottish Heritage Society of Eastern North Carolina, headquartered in New Bern. Duncan and Judy enjoyed attending Scottish Highland Games, Robbie Burns Suppers, and other Scottish-related events.

On a trip to Scotland, he discovered his ties to Clan Donnachaidh, one of the most ancient clans in Scotland. He became active in the Clan’s International organization as well as the Carolina Branch here in the States.

He served as the first President of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of New Bern and participated in the Fellowship’s many activities through the years.

Duncan was a veteran of the Korean War, having served in the United States Army from February 13, 1951, to February 12, 1953.

Family, friends, and neighbors will miss Duncan’s gentle nature, lovely smile, and his kindness.

A Celebration of Duncan Harkin’s Life will be held May 17, 2025 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of New Bern, 308 Meadows St. New Bern, NC 28560.

Duncan always loved trees, in lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Duncan’s memory to the Arbor Day Foundation. https.//shop.arborday.org/commemorative-trees-for-others?producttype=TIM

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Duncan Harkin.