KENNETH JAMES DUNCAN and VIRGINIA MAY FORTHUN DUNCAN. Kenneth James Duncan died at age 79 on April 19, 2002 at home. His wife of 54 years, Virginia May Duncan died on April 25, 2002, after a long illness. Kenneth was born on October 1, 1922 to Jefferson Duncan and Myrtle Cummings on the Cheyenne Indian reservation in South Dakota. His earl y life was like Steinbeck's "Grapes of Wrath" as many who experienced the Great Depression. He spent his later teen years in Pasadena prior to entering the United States Navy in 1941. During WWII he served on the cruiser the USS St. Louis from 1942-43. He later transferred to the USS Iowa and was a "Plankowner" from 1943-46. While in the Navy he fought in most of the major Naval battles of the Pacific Theatre and was aboard when his ship transported President Roosevelt to the Teheran conference. He was one of the first soldiers in Japan entering Tokyo prior to the peace treaty being signed. After being Honorably Discharged in 1946, he returned to Pasadena and began work as a Plumber with his long time friend, Roy Brolliar. He always greatly appreciated the opportunity and training he received from Roy and they remained lifelong friends until Roy's death several years ago. He continued to work as a plumber until the 1980s when he retired. Virginia May Forthun, was born on February 28, 1928 in North Dakota to Oscar and May (Sisk) Forthun. She moved at an early age to Pasadena, CA. She was raised in Pasadena and attended its schools through Pasadena Jr. College. In 1946, she began a long term career with the telephone company as a telephone operator. She also retired in the 1980s. In 1946, Virginia began dating Kenny, who was a friend of her older brothers, Bob, Wayne, Roland (Rolly) and Phil. They married in November of 1947. Their first child, Linda, was born in 1949, their second, Matthew, was born 1953 and finally, Kenny (Steve), was born in 1957. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the Duncan household and yard was a lively and rambunctious location. It was frequently filled with neighborhood kids, family and friends. The front yard was both a football and baseball field. Many have stated in later years that Kenny was the "Dad of the Neighborhood," frequently fixing bikes, wagons, and toys. Virginia was happy making Kenny and the kids happy. She always had a helping hand for those in need or down on their luck. Although a very shy person, nothing ever interfered with this mama bears cubs. Virginia's primary interests, away from her work and kids, was investing. It was essentially her hobby. After raising their kids and sending them to college, they each retired. Although they had many plans for traveling during their retirement, they always returned to their kid, grandchildren and friends in South Pasadena. Kenny's interest was American History and Virginia's continued to be inventing and her children. Kenny took great pride in his manicured lawn. Kenny died in his sleep at home. Virginia was unaware of his passing and died of the complications of Alzheimer's disease after a long time. They are survived by their daughter, Linda Blancott and her husband, Dave; Matthew and his wife Kim; and Kenneth and his finance Dana Kolb. They also were blessed with three grandchildren that they each adored, Stacy and Courtney Blancott and Alexandra Duncan. They are also survived by Virginia's brothers, Phil and Frank; and Ken's brother, Earl, and sister, Peggy. They have numerous nephews and nieces whom they loved. And two exceptional dedicated and loved friends, Dorothy Fotrhum and Frank McCutcheon. A graveside service will be held at Forest Lawn Glendale on May 2, 2002, at 11:00 A.M. A family celebration will be held immediately following at their home. They will each be sorely missed by their family. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer's Foundation or the Salvation Army.
FOREST LAWN GLENDALE, FOREST LAWN MORTUARY
Published in San Gabriel Valley Tribune on May 1, 2002