Harold G. "Smokey" Duncan

Chief Harold G. Duncan (retired), 88, of Upland, passed away on August 25, 2016 at Kaiser Hospital in Fontana, California. He was born to Willie and Margaret Duncan on August 6, 1928 in Comanche, Texas, and lived in Montclair/Upland area for 83 years. He worked as a Firefighter for 74 years. Harold was one of three original employees hired by the Monte Vista County Fire Protection District in 1950. On July 1953, at the age of 24, he was appointed as the Fire Chief and has the distinction of being the youngest fire chief in the state of California. On January 1, 1967, the City of Montclair assume responsibility for fire protection.

Throughout his career, up to his retirement in 1983, Chief Duncan led the Montclair Fire Department through many changes that impacted the fire service. Under his leadership, the Insurance Services Office (ISO) changed their rating of the Montclair Fire Department from a Class 8 to the highest possible rating of Class 1. Chief Duncan was open to new ideas and ways of delivering the best service possible within the means available. Chief Duncan encouraged his subordinates to challenge the "norms". His encouragement inspired people to be the very best they could be. That motivation and inspiration is validated by the fact that no less than nine people that were directly hired by him went on to become Fire Chiefs in departments throughout California. Chief Duncan was not just a leader of a fire department, he was a leader of leaders.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #301 in Ontario and the Elks Lodge #149 in Ontario. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was an avid traveler and enjoyed driving the United States visiting historic locations, taking in Aerial Museums, and took many ocean cruises.

Harold is survived by his daughter, Kathryn Moody (and husband, Jim), grandchildren, Jason Moody and Travis Moody (and wife, Lisa), and great-grandchild, Savannah Moody. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Charlotte, and a daughter, Sandra Evans.

Funeral service will be held at Draper Mortuary, 811 N. Mountain Avenue, Ontario, California 91762 on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 11:00 am. Interment at Bellevue Memorial Park will follow the service.