Jerry K. Duncan

May 22, 1930, Portland, Oregon

February 27, 2011, Banks, Oregon

Jerry K. Duncan was born in Portland, Oregon on May 22, 1930, to parents Wallace V. and Harriet J. (Grewall) Duncan.

Jerry was raised in the Portland metro area. He had two older brothers, Wallace and Stanley. He attended Kennedy School in North Portland for a few years. Then, when his parent’s bought a farm and moved near Warren / Scappoose Oregon, he would walk from the farm to the old Otto H. Petersen Elementary school early to start up the boiler for the day. That early period helped to shape his affinity for country life, the outdoors, and his love for animals.

Jerry was married to Maxine in Vancouver, Washington in 1951. Their deep love started when he was walking in downtown Portland near what is now the old Meier and Frank’s building and saw the most beautiful girl in the world walk by. He just had to meet her, so he came back to the area for the next couple days until he saw her again. It was love at first sight! They had two children, William and Marsha and, from 1962 on, they chose the Cedar Mill area to raise their children. They were married for 52 wonderful years before Maxine’s passing in 2003. Their children say they feel as if they were raised by the last “Ozzie and Harriett” having been in such a loving home.

From approximately 1954 until his retirement in 1987, Jerry worked as a truck driver and, eventually, an Operations Manager for Portland Wholesale Grocery, (ultimately becoming Sysco Food Service).

Jerry enjoyed listening to old time country music and later old radio shows on his MP3 player, working on cars, watching John Wayne movies, Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts, and Lucille Ball shows. He also enjoyed playing the guitar especially when he could jam with his brother Stanley. He had a strong attraction for eagles and he collected several items over the years that included an eagle in the design. His favorite thing was just spending quality time with his family, loving their grand babies and their many animal companions, cats and dogs that were all very special to them both.

After his daughter and grand kids moved out to the country to a small farm near Banks, Oregon, Jerry enjoyed their place and finally moved in with them five years ago. He loved to sit out on the deck, breathe in the fresh air, drink coffee, watch the farm animals, and enjoy the wide open spaces. He would feed the horse and chickens some carrots, and get a big kick out of watching the baby goats play.

Jerry is predeceased by his loving wife Maxine and his two brothers Wallace and Stanley.

Survivors include his son, William Wallace Duncan; daughter, Marsha I. Kirk; and grandchildren Christopher D. Kirk, Sean Wallace Duncan, and Kaitlyn R. Kirk.

A private service will be held in Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Jerry will be laid to rest in Skyline Memorial Gardens Garden Mausoleum.

Arrangements are entrusted to Skyline Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, Portland, Oregon. (503) 292-6611.