J. Peter Duncan, 59, of Severna Park, MD, died Tuesday, February 21, 2017, surrounded by his three children, sister, and fiancée.
Born Dec. 13, 1957, in Washington, D.C., he grew up in Kensington and Potomac, MD. He attended Holy Redeemer School, and then Landon School, becoming editor of the yearbook in his senior year. He earned a B.A. in Physics at Middlebury College, where he was head of the student government and the first student trustee. He returned to Landon to teach physics for three years, followed by several years in California and Massachusetts working in the semi-conductor industry. He earned an MBA from Dartmouth Tuck School of Business, became a consultant in strategic planning, co-authored Simplified Strategic Planning, and created Fairlead Growth Partners. He was an avid dinghy sailor, president of the International Albacore Association, and partner in HAPCO Marine. He and his business partner were awarded the Gardiner Trophy for Service by US Sailing. Peter loved being on the water anywhere, but he had a particular fondness for his family’s lake cottage in Muskoka, Ontario.
More important to Peter than degrees and accomplishments, however, were his family ties and the close friendships he forged with peers, mentors, students, colleagues, clients, and neighbors -- relationships celebrated across miles and over decades and reflected powerfully in the profound love and support so many gave to Peter throughout his life. Peter and Sylvi, mother of their children, met at Middlebury College; and she died in 2011. He has since found love again, becoming engaged this past December to Cynthia Mitchell.
He is survived by hisparents, John and Carol Duncan of Potomac; children Ian, Theresa, and Stephen; fiancée, Cynthia Mitchell of Chattanooga and her children, Brindley and Keith; siblings David (Marie), of Oak Hill, VA, Christopher (Maria), of Amherst, MA, Suzanne (Craig) Simmonds, of Fairfield, CT, and Edward (Joann) of Potomac, MD; and an abundance of loving nieces and nephews.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park on Saturday, March 4 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peter Duncan’s name to Landon School 6101 Wilson Lane, Bethesda, MD 20817; Severn School (memo: Sailing Team) 201 Water Street, Severna Park, MD 21146; or Middlebury College Office of Advancement 700 Exchange Street, Middlebury, VT 05753.