Allan Alwyn Duncan

Allan Alwyn Duncan was born to Hilda and Joseph Duncan on February 18, 1931 in Georgetown, Guyana and departed this life on June 25, 2016. As a young man in Guyana, he worked at the Demerara-Essequibo Railway and then in commercial mining at the Demerara Bauxite Company, Ltd. He later transitioned to a post as a prison officer where he would supervise inmates working at the Prime Minister Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham's home. He held this position for several years and during this time socialized with the Prime Minister on numerous occasions. In 1969, he and his daughters, Audrey and Claudette, migrated to the United States of America to join his loving wife Anorma Molvina Duncan. Once settled, he assumed management roles in New York's booming textile and garment industry: first at Lymon's Carpet Company in Long Island and then at Young Reflections and Stuart Alan Fashions, Ltd., in Manhattan's garment district. When not at work, he tended the garden of his sprawling Brooklyn backyard. Even just prior to his passing, he looked forward to "turning up the soil" every year. It was his favorite form of exercise and his efforts yielded flowers, fruits and vegetables, including squash, cherries, and apples. Also one to exercise his mind, Allan was a habitual reader of The New York Daily News (and would become upset when it was not promptly delivered). He also avidly read self-help and natural healing books which could be found throughout the house. A life long music enthusiast, Allan swooned to the vocal stylings of the Rat Pack, Nat King Cole, and Billy Eckstine and delighted in the sounds of reggae, calypso and rhythm and blues. His gregarious and warm-hearted nature sprang to life at family gatherings at his home. On those occasions, he would proudly preside, with drink in hand, at his custom made bar which was always stocked with top shelf liquor of all kinds. He was a true conversationalist who was fond of a spirited political discussion. He was especially excited when Barack Obama - whom he prophetically referred to as "the blessed one" - ascended to the presidency. Nevertheless, his favorite topic of conversation was his youth in Mackenzie, Guyana. It was there where he fell head over heels for Anorma. He was not at all embarrassed to tell everyone that it was love at first sight - and that love endured for forty-nine years. Allan, who was also lovingly called Brother A., PaPa, Uncle Alwin, and Dunks, will forever be remembered for his laughter, generosity, advice, and these wise words: don't sweat the small stuff. He is survived by his daughters: Audrey and Claudette; grandson Lawrence Bratton, Jr.; sisters: Daphne, Joyce, Karen, Rhona, and Michelle; brother-in-law Barrington Ward; and a host of loving family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Allan Alwyn Duncan

February 18, 1941 - June 25, 2016