Thomas Kirby Duncan

by Lynn McMillen
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Thomas Kirby Duncan “The best portion of a good man’s life is his little nameless unremembered acts of kindness and love.” – William Wordsworth

Thomas Kirby Duncan passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2021. He was born on August 20, 1953, in Evanston, Illinois, to Ralph and Dorothy Duncan. Living his early years at Highland Park, Illinois, he then proceeded south with his family to Lighthouse Point, Florida, before heading to the Big Peach to attend Georgia Tech, where he earned both a Bachelor and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering.

Tom met Janet Berggren at a computer conference in 1987. They married in 1996.

Tom worked for 24 years in Huntsville, primarily as a Systems Engineer. In a series of acquisitions, he was employed first by SAIC, then by Rolls-Royce Nuclear, then by Westinghouse Nuclear. He had recently retired.

Well versed in philosophy and the humanities as well as mathematics and other technical fields, Tom was a true Renaissance Man. He was a talented pianist, profoundly wise Sunday School teacher, avid outdoorsman, skilled engineer, and much more. Though brilliant, he was also a humble and gentle soul who consistently met you with a smile and made you feel appreciated.

He taught Sunday School at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. He was a Mentor to the Robotics Team (The Time Travelers) at Huntsville Christian Academy and took great pleasure in supporting their STEM-related activities. The kids loved him.

Tom was a member of the North Alabama DX Club (a ham radio club devoted to long distance communications). In addition to participating in their events, he was publisher/editor of their newsletter, The Long Path, and sometimes wrote articles for the publication.

He was also a very active member of the Huntsville Amateur Radio Club, holding positions in the club, including president, at various times. He excelled in many aspects of ham radio, both technical and operating. Tom was an avid volunteer in club activities, such as supporting communications for the Cotton Row Run and the Rocket City Marathon. He also presented many programs at Club meetings.

A fellow Club member describes him well:

Tom was a good friend and one of the funniest and best humored guys I have ever met. I always looked forward to his program presentations. No matter the subject, we knew we were in for an entertaining evening. His wit and humor with his side comments made me smile or laugh throughout the show.
Who could ever forget our auctions with Tom as our auctioneer? He had a way of describing even the worst of junk gear that made everyone want to bid on it. He always participated in our other events and was a big help to me for the Apollo Moon Landing Anniversary events in 2014 and 2019 at the Space and Rocket Center. Everyone knows
he helped do everything at Field Days.
To say Tom will be missed would be an understatement. There are hardly words to
express how much I will miss him.

Tom was a skilled CW (Morse code) operator and would often set up his portable equipment and operate while his wife Janet was participating in long running events.

He and Janet were devoted to one another and shared a deep love of the outdoors and of dogs. They enjoyed walks and hikes together quite often, and both of them treated their dogs with the utmost kindness and love.

Tom is survived by his wife of 25 years, Janet Berggren Duncan; his sister, Betsy Duncan Randolph of Redmond, Washington; and his precious dog, Merrie Duncan, who all love him dearly.

Visitation is Wednesday, March 3rd, 10 a.m., at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, Bob Wallace Ave. in Huntsville. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. at Laughlin. Burial follows at Maple Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Tom’s life, the family asks that donations be made to your favorite charity.

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