Cliff Buchan
News Editor

Bob Marzolf bumped into Bob Duncan on a sunny day last summer and the conversation was no surprise.

ìHe always wanted to know what was going on with FFA stuff,î Marzolf said, recalling that meeting. It was always the same when Duncan would cross paths with anyone who works with the agricultural programs at Forest Lake High School, said Marzolf, an ag teacher and FFA advisor.

Each winter when the FFA Chapter would have its annual banquet, Duncan would be there. It was a dedication that spanned generations, Marzolf said.

Duncan, a charter member of the FFA Chapter in 1938 and the first chapter president, died last week. He was 87.

Marzolf said he has many fond memories of Duncan who was always willing to share his knowledge of the early days of the FFA program and agriculture in general. Marzolf said he believes the young people who came into contact with Duncan in recent years also benefitted.

ìThere was no age barrier,î Marzolf said. ìIt was fantastic to watch. The kidsí faces would light up when he would come to the banquet. He was so good to the kids.î

At last yearís banquet, the chapter honored Duncan with a framed copy of the original chapter charter. The Forest Lake FFA Chapter was chartered on April 14, 1938 and Duncan was its first president.

ìHe (Duncan) was so dedicated to the FFA message,î Marzolf said. Marzolf said Duncan was a firm believer that FFA built character in young people and the agriculture programs offered through the school curriculum was also vital in the education of todayís youth.

No better example could be found in Duncanís untiring support through such simple steps as attending the annual chapter banquet, he added.

In the early days of the chapter, Marzolf said Duncan provided a one-acre plot of land near Comfort Lake in Wyoming Township that was cleared and used as a demonstration plot for crops.

Marzolf said the chapter is considering dedicating the 2005 banquet on Thursday, March 17 in Duncanís memory.

More life details

Robert Richard Duncan was born Nov. 18, 1917 in Killdeer, ND, and was one of 10 children.

In addition to his duties as FFA Chapter president, he also played football at Forest Lake High School and was team captain.

During his work years, Duncan was involved in sales and also farmed in Scandia, raising hogs and turkeys. He owned Duncan International, a consulting firm that worked in sales and consulting duties on a national and international scale.

At times in his life he held membership in Rotary, Gideonís International and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was an active member of the Scandia-Marine Lions Club and a recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship for outstanding club contributions.

Funeral Details

A memorial service for Robert Duncan was Friday, Jan. 14 at Elim Lutheran Church, Scandia. A private burial service will take place later in Stillwater.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, MaryAnn; children Lucyann, Robert Joe (Nancy), Beverly Joy (Ron), and Timothy Richard; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mary.

He was preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings.

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Forest Lake Times
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