Early in the morning on New Year’s Eve a new voice was added to heaven’s choir. Philip Raleigh Duncan, born September 20, 1927 in Helena, Montana was taken from us while his family attended to his final needs. Phil attended Helena public schools and graduated from Helena High in 1945. Upon graduation he joined the United States Navy and was stationed in San Diego until his honorable discharge. On August 24, 1947 he married Lillian (Sis) Paulsen who he faithfully courted throughout high school. The couple moved to Missoula so Phil could attend the University of Montana. In Missoula their first son, John, was born in 1948, then a daughter, Susan, in 1950. After graduating from UM they moved back to Helena where a son, Guy, was born in 1951, then daughter, Janet, in 1953 and daughter, Carla, in 1960. During his time in Helena he owned and operated the Duncan and Son farm and ranch feed store. Phil was elected to the Helena City Commission in 1966. Shortly thereafter he changed careers and joined Allstate as an insurance agent. Eventually, he and Sis moved to Bozeman where he employed his considerable people skills to serve many satisfied insurance customers. Upon retirement from Allstate in 1991 he and Sis moved once again, briefly, to Spokane, Washington to be closer to John and Janet’s families. Feeling the tug to get back to Montana they settled in East Helena in 1993.
Phil’s considerable music talent really defined who he was and his participation as a soloist and member of various choral groups contributed to the cultural life of Helena and Bozeman. He was a charter member of the Helena Symphony Choral and was also a member of the Bozeman Symphony Choral. In 1979 he was selected to play the part of Barone Douphol in the inaugural Intermountain Opera production of Verdi’s La Traviata.
As important as music was to Phil, his abiding love and support for his family was the hallmark of what he lived for. Vacationing in Yellowstone and Glacier, hunting, fishing and trips to the cabin are memories he and Sis gave to their children that they will never forget. This, and the solid Christian foundation they instilled in each of their kids gave them the spiritual strength to meet life’s challenges.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents Wes and Ora Duncan, a sister Doris Mabbott, his wife Lillian in 2010, and baby son David. He is survived by his sister Myrt Batch; Ft. Collins, CO., son John Duncan (Janet); Ennis, daughter Susan Hensley (Robbie-deceased); Helena, son Guy Duncan (Nancy); Littleton, CO., daughter Janet Rosa (Phil); Spokane, WA., daughter Carla Erickson (Kent); Albuquerque, NM, 16 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 4 at 10:00 am at Forestvale Cemetery followed by a reception in the fellowship hall at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Ave. at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to God’s Love; Helena or St. John’s Lutheran Church.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Katie Wessel and Dr. Thomas Weiner for their years of devotion to Phil’s health and well-being. Also, thanks to the Medical Floor staff at St. Peter’s Health Care for their all consuming hospitality and care during his recent hospitalization.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Philip.
Karen Bryson says
Duncan family,
Thoughts and prayers are with you. So many fond memories over the years. Phil sang at our wedding! I’m sure he and dad are singing together once again!
Love, Karen
Dick Paulsen says
I really loved my uncle Phil. He was a very talented and humble person and a darn good guy. For sure, he will scout out the good fly fishing spots in Heaven for us too.
Ralph Beer says
Phil and his family lived across the street from my folks on Butte Avenue when I was growing up. We also bought grain from him at Duncan and Son Feeds. He was a good guy. I’m glad to know he had a long and happy life.
Kathey Blazer says
Susan, Robin and all the families,
So sorry for your loss. I never met Mr Duncan but heard alot of good things about him. My condolences to each of you. Prayers, peace, comfort and great memories abide with you.
Love, Kathey Blazer
Betty Jane Nelson Stromberg says
Many fond memories of both Phil & Sis. Prayers and condolences to their family.
Betty Jane Nelson Stromberg.
Gary Paulsen says
I have a lot of good memories of my Uncle Phil. After we moved to Texas, we would spend our summers in Helena. When we would drive into town, the first place we stopped was at Uncle Phil and Aunt Sis’s house. They had some great apple trees in the back yard. I remember Uncle Phil always had a smile for me.
Mark Lee says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Duncan family. I remember all the years that Phil and my dad ( Darryl) sang together at St. John’s Lutheran Church and all the wonderful times we had as kids playing together. Blessings to all.
Rae M. Batch says
Myrt Louise Batch remembers that Phil was her strength. Unfortunately, her brain hemorrhage stroke prevents her from being there in Helena this morning.
Brenda Spivey says
Condolences to the family. I have fond memories of romping in the back yard(s) with Carla and Janet was our family babysitter, and going to Sunday school together at St. John’s. Blessings.
Katy Wessel says
It was an extreme pleasure and honor to assist in Philip’s care. He was an amazing, thoughtful, caring, and loving man. I always said he was one of my favorite patients and he will remain in my heart forever. Phil, you can fly free now with no more pain or worry in your heart. I look forward to seeing you again someday in God’s kingdom! My thoughta and prayers are with the Duncan family in this difficult time. May Peace be with you all.
Carla Teigen says
With fond memories from 50+ years ago, I send my condolences to the Duncans, especially Susie my old friend.
The obituary was beautifully written, a lovely tribute & story of his very full life.