Duncan Robert Smith
Duncan Robert Smith, 88, passed away on October 4, 2007. He was the loving husband of 57 years to Hilary Cannell Smith both of Hamden, formerly of Waterford. He was born in New London, CT on September 3, 1919 to the late Clyde and Alida Armstrong Smith. Besides his wife, Duncan is survived by his four daughters and their husbands, Noelle and Richard Cormier of Canterbury, Jill Smith and Dan Williams of East Lyme, Valerie Smith and Anthony Dickinson of Hamden, and Diana Smith and David Dodd of Chatham, NJ. Also two granddaughters, Tess Cormier of Canterbury and Amanda Cormier of Portland, OR and brother Escott Smith of Waterford. Predeceased by siblings Rubie Thompson, Muriel Hancock, Glory MacDonald, Callie Streeter, and Clyde "Brud" Smith. Duncan grew up in New London, received an Associate's degree in the first class to graduate from New London Junior College (now Mitchell College), and received a B.A., M.A., and a Professional diploma from Columbia University. Duncan achieved Professor Emeritus from Nassau Community College where he counseled students for 14 years. He was the founder and first President of the Association for Macular Disease and a member of South East CT Center for the Blind. Duncan touched many children's lives while General Secretary at various YMCA's. Duncan was a wonderful listener for family, friends and students. He had an incredible sense of humor and was always ready with a joke. If ever someone was in need - family, friends, colleagues, or a stranger, he was always there to help. When he wasn't at home with family, Duncan and his wife were traveling across America or Europe, creating wonderful memories. Family and friends will miss his love, determination, drive, and heart. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 12, 2007 at Crossroads Presbyterian Church, Waterford, CT. BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden in care of arrangements. Memorial contributions in Duncan's name for research into juvenile macular disease may be sent to the Association for Macular Disease, Inc., 210 East 64th Street, 8th floor, New York, NY 10021.
Dear Family, We grieve the loss, but celebrate the life that was. Love Scotty Mac
Dear Hilary and Family, We have wonderful memories of Duncan since first meeting him at Nassau C C in 1970! A special honor was to drive him to and from our counseling jobs at the College. We had many a good laugh and chances to share life’s puzzles. ??? We plan to be with you on the 12th at Crossroads. With special memories, love and prayers for all. Ruth and Jack Dumas
Dear Hilary, My fond memories of Duncan are of us having a new .funny. joke each Sunday. We would laugh so hard, that people would question whether it was .clean.. They always were. I miss you both. Fondly, Muriel
Dear Hilary, We were so sorry to hear of Duncan’s passing. We enjoyed all the years and times that we shared together at Crossroads. We are sorry that we cannot be there on Friday. We will be out of town. Heather and Doug
Dear Hilary: I am grateful to Duncan and you for all that you both have done for the blind and visually impaired persons in Southeast CT through the support group you started in the 1980’s. Duncan was very helpful to me when I started working at the South East CT Community Center of the Blind. Not only was he a mentor, but also a friend. He was always willing to listen and offered sound advice when I needed it. What a wonderful person!
Dear Hillary, We send our deepest condolences to you and all the family at this sad time.Please accept our sincere and heartfelt compassion at this time of loss.
Dear Hillary, We send our deepest condolences to you and all the family at this sad time.Please accept our sincere and heartfelt compassion at this time of loss.
Dear Hillary, We send our deepest condolences to you and all the family at this sad time.Please accept our sincere and heartfelt compassion at this time of loss.
Dear Hillary, We send our deepest condolences to you and all the family at this sad time.Please accept our sincere and heartfelt compassion at this time of loss.
Dear Hillary, We send our deepest condolences to you and all the family at this sad time.Please accept our sincere and heartfelt compassion at this time of loss.
Dear Hillary, We send our deepest condolences to you and all the family at this sad time.Please accept our sincere and heartfelt compassion at this time of loss.
Dear Hillary, We send our deepest condolences to you and all the family at this sad time.Please accept our sincere and heartfelt compassion at this time of loss.
Dear Noelle and family, We were saddened to hear of the passing of your father. I know how close you were to him and realize he will be missed immensely. I’m sure you have many wonderful memories to help you during this sad and difficult time. From reading the obituary it was evident what a wonderful and giving person he was. Unfortunately I am unable to make it to the memorial service on Friday, but please know you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Noelle and Family: JC’s call brought us the first news of your father’s death. There was a mention of his name a few weeks ago during his stay with you in Canterbury. And now it has happened. Nancy and I had not known him, only heard these last tragic chapters of his life, which make us feel very sad as we think of them. From my own experience last year with Raymond I know that it takes some time to get over the shock, which leaves one curiously diminished for two or three months. Meanwhile know that you and your entire family will be in our thoughts and prayers and especially during Fridays memorial. Bill and Nancy October 8, 2007 Waterford, CT.
I am a Board Member of the S.E.CT Center of the Blind and the Ledyard Lions Club. We honored Mr. Smith with a Knight of the Blind award for his work with macular degeneration in our local area. I was proud to know him. He was a wonderful man. Sally Van Dyke
I am writing for Arthur Rega a retired Security Guard at Nassau C.C. who is currently in a nursing home. .I remember Mr. Smith as a kind and very helpful Counselor, a small, great man. My prayers are for the family, I sure he is at peace. Sincerely. Arthur Rega. Jack Dumas
I worked next door to Duncan at Nassau Community College for many years. I can only say that he was the sweetest, kindest, and most loving man—the students adored him and I looked up to him as a mentor. His empathy combined with counseling skills to change people’s lives. I am sure that you, his family, have many wonderful memories that will sustain you in the time of grief ahead.
Jill and Dan,Hillary, and family, It is with great sadness that Jean and I have received the news of Duncan’s passing. I regret that I was not able to be there at Duncan’s memorial service with Jean. We both have very fond memories of your dad. However brief and seldom those occasions were, they were always moments of joy and good cheer. I am so happy to have been present the day Max drew out of your dad so many wonderful stories. He will surely be missed by all of us who have had the beautiful pleasure of having crossed the path of such a wonderful man. May I take this time to express my sincere sympathy and condolences to all of you, Richard