
James (Jim) Kinnear Duncan
1928 ~ 2021
It is with a deep sense of sadness and loss that we announce the passing of James Kinnear Duncan. He died peacefully in his sleep in the early morning of February 11, 2021. Jim was predeceased by his brother Wallace Duncan and his sister Mina Eisler. Jim’s memory will be cherished by his wife of 70 years, Betty, and his sons Thomas, Alex and his wife Pauline, Michael and his wife Audrey, and Garth. Jim and Betty were blessed with eight grandchildren, Kanesa, Andrew, Nikita, Christopher, Derek, Kelsey, Sabina, and Hannah, and two great-grandchildren, Laola and Ethan.
Jim was born on January 12, 1928 on his parent’s farm in the Shadeland district, located a few miles south of Darlingford, Manitoba. In 1950, Jim married Elizabeth Neudorf and over the next 30 years they lived on the farm and worked the land with their four sons. In the late 1970s, Jim and Betty built their dream home overlooking the Minnewasta Golf and Country Club in Morden. After leaving the farm, Jim became the grounds superintendent of the golf course where he worked for the next 15 years.
Jim and Betty were fixtures at the Morden golf club in the summer, and they enjoyed many warm winters in Arizona where they were able to further hone their golfing skills. Well into his 80s, Jim was still able to shoot his age on the challenging 18-hole Morden course. It’s a testament to Jim’s love of the game and his competitive spirit that he was able to golf into his 90s, right up until this past summer.
From a young age, Jim was a hunter and outdoorsman. He had many treasured memories of hunting and fishing trips he participated in throughout his life. Curling was another of Jim’s favourite sports. Over the years, he curled with his sons in the Morden men’s league and entered many bonspiels in the Morden area. In 1989, Jim skipped his teammates to the Manitoba Masters Men’s Championship.
Jim and Betty enjoyed an adventurous and energetic retirement. They travelled to many exotic destinations including Egypt, Turkey, Europe, and Mexico. When he wasn’t travelling or pursuing his sporting activities, Jim made sure to have a container of wine fermenting in the basement. After years of practice, he became an expert in the wine making craft. Jim and Betty loved to entertain guests in their beautiful home and enjoyed playing bridge with their friends and neighbours. In their later years they participated in the Morden Senior’s Centre bridge club.