Eugene Duncan of San Carlos, Ariz. passed away on Dec. 26, 2020. Eugene was a well-respected member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. Eugene was a member of the higher education department, in which he helped several students from the reservation pursue higher education. He served on the Tribal Council, was a board member for the San Carlos School District and spent his retirement years as a medical transport driver. Eugene was also a board member for the Peridot Economic District and was a driving force in bringing commerce to the Peridot district in San Carlos.
Eugene never went anywhere without a smile. If you came across him on one of his walks or at any of his daily stops, he would always have a smile and ask how you were doing. He loved to crack jokes and make everyone around him laugh.
Eugene was a loving father to his three children and helped raise both of his grandsons, Bryson and Bryant Jr. The light of Eugene’s life was his great-granddaughter Aunalynn, with whom he just recently learned how to FaceTime. Eugene was also a father figure to several others he came across throughout his life. He thrived on helping others pursue higher education and encouraged them to return to the reservation after school to work for the tribe and make it better for those in the future. He also spent time educating others on Apache culture and family heritage. If you were a friend to Eugene, you could expect daily or weekly calls from him just checking in. If someone needed help Eugene would not hesitate to offer whatever he had. Eugene’s presence will be missed, but his legacy will live on through the lives of those he impacted.
Eugene is survived by his sister Sarah Duncan of San Carlos, his sons Lawrence Duncan of Payson and Bryant Duncan Sr. of San Carlos, his daughter Petrita Duncan of Chandler, his grandsons Bryant Duncan Jr. of Tempe and Bryson Duncan of San Carlos, and his great-granddaughter Aunalynn Duncan of Tempe. Eugene was preceded in death by five of his siblings, his parents Wilson and Mary Duncan, and his beloved wife Marie Duncan.
Visitations were held on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lamont Mortuary
Graveside services were private.
Assisting the family; Lamont Mortuary of Globe.
