As a sergeant with Md.  Division of Corrections; while working at MCI-J, I sat on several inmate reclassification and initial reclassification boards for inmates with Ric. It was doing those times when I got to know some things about Ric. He taught me much about the processing of inmates through the correctional system. I am very appreciative of the things I learned from Ric. Some of the knowledge I obtained from Ric proved to be great tools that I used in the advancement of my career within Md. Div. of Corrections. I also remember giving several of his classes tours of the former Md. Pen when I was a captain assigned to that institution. Sorry to hear of his death, and I wish his wife and family my sincerest condolences and only the best as they move forward with their lives.

Richard was my Pastor, and my Brother in Christ. God intervened in my life at a time when I had been absent from the church too long, and led me to Melville Chapel UMC. Here I became part of a loving church family being taught and guided by Pastor Duncan, and his wife Tracy. I will forever be grateful that they let me come into their lives at a time of need, for them and me, as it gave my life purpose, and brought me closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I will truly miss Pastor Duncan and his strength of faith, and forever be thankful to God for his intervention. 
With much love, your Brother in Christ

To my dearest Richard, you will be my whole world forever. I count the days until we are together again. Everyday I wake up and go to bed missing you. My life on in this world will never be the same. Loving you was the best thing of each day. Until then I will look for you in my dreams

In Fall 2014, Richard, or Professor Duncan as I knew him, taught me sociology during my first semester of college. During that same semester I was in the midst of leaving an abusive relationship, which left me homeless for the remainder of the semester until I could return to my home state. I had not opened up about my experiences to much of anyone, but as I continued to attend class, I was able to recognize my professor's brilliance. It did not take long for me to realize that I was dealing with a trustworthy and deeply caring human being. I was naturally drawn to begin to open up to him, knowing that he would understand my pain.

Richard listened to my woes and happily aided me through the pain of the transformation I was experiencing. School was what kept me going, and Richard himself made me feel incredibly safe, helping me to stay brave and push through to the life I deserved to live.

As my situation really began to boil over, Richard immediately granted me an extension on an in-class exam to enable me to keep myself safe and push off studying for a short while longer. This man did not even have to think for a split-second about doing anything and everything he could to protect and aid me. He listened to me each and every week after class, guiding me through the turmoil. School was my sanctuary and Richard was its keeper.

When Richard discovered I'd be alone for Thanksgiving that year, he invited me to join him at the Thanksgiving dinner he was hosting together with his church. I am so glad I chose to attend. I am so glad I got to meet Pastor Duncan to add to the person I had formerly known only as Professor Duncan. It was tough to make the drive to Elkridge, alone with my thoughts, and tougher still to go inside and sit at a table by myself. I sat there, shrunk into myself, crying secretly as I battled with the fears of my newly unknown future as a prisoner freed.

The moment Richard and his wife Tracy entered the room, I felt warmth flow over me and I was filled with a sense of serenity and calm. The two immediately joined me, and I could tell Richard was delighted with my decision to take him up on his invitation. I saw his face light up when he saw me - I know he knew how difficult the decision had been.The man wanted nothing more than to help others feel welcome. I knew at once I had made the right decision.

Richard and Tracy both sat with me and we spoke. Tracy was a joy to speak with as well and helped my fears melt away effortlessly. We were able to relate in a number of ways and for the first time in so long I realized I felt understood. I was not invisible here. I enjoyed my meal, smiling, forgetting all the bad, and I left the church feeling warm, glowing with joy. I continued to work hard for the remainder of my semester, boosted up thanks to the exceptional role model I now had in my professor.

While at that church, I watched the way the others in the room looked at and spoke to Richard and I could tell he was a beloved and special man. It touched me deeply to be allowed into his world, beyond just as a student at a desk in his classroom. I had the privilege of being invited to take part in a ceremonious and beautiful demonstration of Richard's love for his brothers and sisters in our shared time on earth. I will never forget the way Richard affected my life. I truly do not know what I might have done without his guidance in my dire time of need.

In 2015 we spoke again on the phone. I updated him on the changes that had taken place in my life since I left Maryland for good and began anew. Richard expressed happiness and pride for what I had accomplished. He sent prayers and well-wishes my way. At that time I also learned of his condition and, naturally, was immediately brought to tears for the man. I wished I could've avoided crying, because I didn't want to burden Richard further. He calmly guided me back to composure; I could hear in his voice that he was smiling. He explained that he was ready for whatever was intended for him, and that he would continue forth in serenity, living his life filled with love and peace for the remainder of his days.

I channeled all the good energy I could back in his direction, but could not help but wish I could do more. In doing so, I realized that wishing to do more than I could would only be detrimental to the power I DID have at my disposal.That feeling of powerlessness, even if well-intended, can take so much away from the spring of life we each have to draw from in our journey through the mysteries of life. Richard knew this. He let his love take center stage.

I continue to draw from my memory of Richard's peace, and use the inspiration to fight back against that sense of powerlessness. I work toward inner peace every day, just as Richard had shown me. I have taken back my spring of life and I now draw from its potent depths. I am ready for a bountiful life, better equipped thanks to the perspective Richard granted me as my mentor in the time we shared.

To Tracy, and to all of Richard's friends and family, I am unspeakably sorry for your loss. I can truly only imagine what you are going through. Thank you again, Tracy, for the time we shared at the church on that Thanksgiving day. You helped change my life and I will never forget you.

Thank you for reading my story!

Pastor Duncan a very thoughtful an dedicated to his congregation.  Always donated his and had time for anyone who need his ear.  Donated his garden to the food pantry as part of the Melville Church there where I found a friend.   
I hope the garden will not be forgotten and the weeds will be forever fruitful.

I worked with Rick at the DPSCS. It was a pleasure. Moving the inmate population was at times challenging. Rick made it seem so easy. Sorry to hear he fell asleep in death so soon. I do respect him and miss his sense of humor.

                                                         Stephen Mack(MD Division of Correction)

Pastor Duncan will be greatly missed a true gift from God that made a true impact on the lives of others. He will always hold a special place in my heart, and in mine and my husbands life. 

To my beloved brother in law. May your Rest In Peace...  Tracey will miss you, but will be with you . Please stay in her heart and let her know you are with her always.

I have known Rick for just over 40 years. I have been through many good times and some bad times with him. Rick was never the stay home at home wall flower but an outward, fun loving, gorgeous human being who had his serious moments. Great experiences being a non-Scot with him attending numerous gatherings and parades with his Scottish Clan. The highlight of my and his life was spending a week in Scotland for a worldwide gathering of his Clan.

Richard was a wonderful man that I an many other had a great deal of respect and understanding of his life and the changes that he made. I will miss him very dearly but, never forget the time that I spent each Sunday morning at Harwood Park UMC.  May God bless Richard as he blessed me and others.

Until we meet again My Friend.  God rest yours soul Richard.

Eric C Lacey

Rick was very special to my family and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

I met Rick in the summer of 1972. Jimmy and I, and a group of young Christians in Baltimore put on an evangelical musical based on The Acts of the Apostles. Rick played St. Stephen. He was on fire for the Lord! After that summer, we sang as a trio. Rick had a beautiful voice, which he used to praise God. I must say that in addition to  the joy he had in serving the Lord- preaching, teaching, singing, he had a beautiful joy in his marriage to Tracy. We loved getting to know her when they visited us in Atlanta.  Tracy, our prayers for God's peace and strength will be with you and your family in the days ahead!

Pastor Duncan, My friend, Rick was the driving force for introducing me to Jesus. We been friends since 1968 and in 1973 we had music ministry-Richard,Donna and I went about singing for the Lord. And now he gets to sing before the Throne of Grace.

He's was a kind, generous, loving, and a great pastor to our church.  We will be truely missed

I enjoyed our trips to Alexandria, Va. for the annual Christmas walk in December.  Rich enjoyed being among the various Scottish Clans especially his own clan.  We also shared several week long vacations to OC.  He was a good friend and loved God.  Charles Lewis, Timonium, Md.

Pastor Duncan   was our Former Pastor Years ago at Trinity UM Church in Catonsville, Md.  What a blessing he was and we were heart broken when he left...Our love to his wife and family..
Love, 
Sandy MacKenzie and His Trinity Friends...

Richard, was my next door neighbor. I am sadden to hear of his passing. He was a kind gentleman, who loved his animals, especially his dog. Richard knew that I was afraid of dogs. If he was out playing with his pet and I arrived, he was so kind to maintain the pet until I got into the house. I will miss him saying "Hi Barb."  To Tracy, our condolences. Wayne and Barbara Reed

I worked with Rick in the 1980's and 1990's. We became quite friendly. He will be missed by all. Bill Goble

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Richard Lee Duncan

16 décembre 1948 – 13 février 2017

Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park

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