Obituary of William David Duncan

William David Duncan 1919-2019 “Bill” was born at the Coronation Hospital on Aug. 28, 1919. He was the third child of William and Margaret Duncan. He grew up on the family farm just north of Coronation and took all of his schooling at the Coronation School. He played hockey and baseball with local teams. After graduating from high school, he worked for the Coronation Creamery as a pick up man and assisted his father on the farm. At the onset of WWII, Bill volunteered and enlisted with the Canadian Army. At first, he was with the Signal Corp, but after a few months he was selected to join the Radar Corp. After training in Debert, NS he was assigned to the St. Lawrence area where the unit detected a German submarine coming up the river. Later he went to the west coast of Canada to help set up radar stations along the B.C. coast to detect Japanese planes etc. that were frequenting the Aleutian Islands. He had now been promoted to Staff Sergeant. While on leave, he returned to Coronation to re-unite with family and friends. He met a travelling bank teller by the name of Jeanette Davidson. After a long distance relationship, they were married in 1943. In 1944 his unit was sent to Australia to help their army set up radar stations, to find and track Japanese planes and ships in the south Pacific. In 1946 the war ended and he was sent home and discharged. He arrived home to get acquainted with his two year old son, William David the third, who had been born in 1944. Bill was happy to help his parents on the farm and soon took over the operation. His daughter, Crystal Lynn was born in 1948. Over the years, Bill was an avid, active member of the Coronation branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, and the Masonic Lodge. He helped coach the Coronation Royals hockey team. Over the years he volunteered and was master of ceremonies at many charity functions, bingo’s and public gatherings. He also served on the board of the Castor School Division, (which included Coronation). Bill was a founding member of the Coronation and District Rural Electrification Assoc. He was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Commemorative Medal, for outstanding service to his community. While farming he also worked at the Coronation Auction Market, Dobson’s TV, and the Alberta Liquor Store. After retiring from farming, he also worked as a crop adjuster for many years. Retirement also allowed him and Jean and friends and family to travel to many parts of Canada and the U.S. Jean passed away in 1996 leaving a large void in his life. After several years Bill sold the farmhouse and it was moved to Coronation where it became a bed and breakfast. He moved into the King’s Court senior’s manor in Coronation. He spent eight years living there. He enjoyed going to the Golden Age Club and playing pool and cards. You could also see him around, visiting at the Post Office, local stores and Coronation Tire. At the age of 95 he thought it was time to move into D.S.L. There he enjoyed the company of others and the “tlc” he received from the great staff. In June of this year he moved to long term care. He received the care which enabled him to live to his 100th birthday. Thanks to the great staff there he did make his goal and turned 100 on Aug. 28th. He passed away on Sept.2, 2019. Predeceased by his parents Margaret and William; wife Jean; sisters Leone (Andrew) Rovensky and Marion (John) Sims: Bill is survived by his children Bill (Shirley) Duncan and Chris (Toni) Selzler; grandchildren Treena (Michael) Cox, David (Nichole) Duncan, Brian (Sandy) Selzler, Lori (Harlen) Hannay; great grandchildren Brittney (Justin) Weist and their daughter Aspyn, Cailey Cox, Kyla Duncan, Koryn Duncan, Gage Selzler, Teegan Selzler, Brady Selzler, Kaycee Selzler, Carly Hannay and Connor Hannay; nieces, nephew and other family. Bill's remains will be buried beside his wife in the Coronation Cemetery, at a private family gathering. The urn was made with a Legion motif by his longtime friend and fellow legion member, Herb Kary. Donations in memory of Bill may be made to the Coronation Long Term Care, DSL (Recreation Dept.) or a charity of the donor’s choice.