We are heartbroken over the sudden loss of our father, son, brother, uncle and cousin, James (Jamie) Ernest Duncan. Born December 17, 1963 in Nanaimo, BC to Bernard (Bill) Duncan (Sylvia), and Karen Kiviniemi-Duncan.
Jamie was predeceased by his wife, Michele Giske-Duncan who succumbed to cancer in 2000. Leaving behind a beautiful daughter Rakel. Jamie was also predeceased by his second wife, Lindsay Atkinson-Duncan who also succumbed to cancer in 2010. Again, leaving behind another beautiful daughter Abby.
Jamie also leaves behind his beautiful and favourite sister Kelly Duncan and brother Duane Duncan along with numerous and beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, fantastic in-laws, devoted friends and colleagues.
Jamie grew up in Nanaimo, and after graduating high school, moved to Whistler to work as a ski instructor. He later attended the University of Victoria where he graduated and had a career with the provincial government for more than 30 years where he settled and raised his family. He walked through this life with his head held high for all that life had thrown at him. He had lost 2 great loves, however, was blessed with 2 beautiful daughters. Even when times fell hard, family and friends stepped in to help wherever they could. Jamie was charismatic and had the ability to light up a room with laughter with his unique sense of humour. He always loved a good scotch and cigar (though few and far between).
The family was very important to Jamie. He had the opportunity to strengthen his relationships with family on his mother’s side and began spending many Holidays at the mountain skiing or having group family camps in the summer at the lake. On the Atkinson side of the family, Jamie and his girls were part of annual Easter bonfires, Christmas celebrations and family gatherings.
Jamie was an outdoor enthusiast. At an early age, Jamie found his passion for skiing through a school ski trip. This would start him on his life long journey and love of the snow and mountains. He was also a member of the Alpine Club of Victoria, an avid cyclist, mountaineer and played soccer throughout his teen years to adulthood until his knee injury, though this did not stop him from doing what he loved. During the last few years, Jamie found a group of friends that did annual ski trips to Japan. Unfortunately, with an injury last year he was unable to attend. He found the strength this year and left for Japan on his ski trip where the mountains called him home.
A Celebration of Life will be held on February 9, 2020 at 2:00 pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC. Refreshments to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Cancer Society.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Brad Kosiance
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Troy Hansen To Jamie’s family and friends,
so very sorry for your loss. We were great friends in high school and had lots of fun together. Jed as we affectionately called him was always up for a good time and we are all richer for knowing him. He will be missed.
Troy & Cindy Hansen
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Carol Ogborne Rakel, Abby and the Duncan family
Jamie was a kind and wonderful person. A great colleague and friend. He will be truly missed but never forgotten. His bright smile and laughter always brought joy to everyone who knew him.
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Karen Lightbody To all the family and friends of Jamie’s,
As I battle cancer myself, Jamie is a beacon of life! He lived, loved, explored and took life on with zest and all his heart! We will shed our tears for those left behind and a life cut to short. Jamie lived as we all should with little fear and a joy to experience whatever he could! God bless you Jamie and we all are here for Rakel and Abby. Sending love and support and hoping the family will reach out to all of us if we can help in any way?
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Lindsay Chase Rakel and Abby—Your dad was one of kind—fun, thoughtful, kind and devoted to his family. I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope that in the days ahead your memories of happier times will ease your heartache. My thoughts are with you and your family.
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Coleen Foster There are no words deep enough to express our sorrow for you all. Jamie was a loving father
to Rakel and Abby and a very good friend. He will be missed.Coleen and Ron Foster
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Robert Butterworth Dear Bill and Sylvia,
Sending you our deepest sympathy on your very tragic loss. He was amazing. Love to you and all your families.
With Love, Robert and Rita Butterworth
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Mary and Jim Jelly, Duane, Rakel, Abby, Bernard and Sylvia, so sorry for your loss. Keep strong, we are all thinking of you at this time of sorrow.
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Dian and Vern Kroffat Rakel and Abby, so sorry for your loss
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Aunty Hilary and John Rakel,Abby, Kelly … and all family, friends,
Our hearts are broken, your loss touches us beyond words. Jamie was one of a kind and will be forever remembered as one of the BEST!
To Jamie’s family and friends, no words can express this loss of a dear friend. Jamie and I go back a long way. We both moved from Nanaimo and were roomies in Victoria. Jamie had the ability to make anyone laugh and befriended just about everyone he met. He liked to go out and socialize and I was with him when he first met Michele. She was one of the nicest people I have met. Our first house was a few blocks from Michele and Jamie and they would always stop by while on a walk with Rakel. James, as I would call him, you will forever be loved and missed. Friends for life, Brad Kosiance.