An official from the 2016 Olympic Trials, Dick Duncan, died at the age of 73 at his residency in Avon, Indiana on Saturday, February 15th.
Duncan grew up in Indiana and was a longtime official in the state. Him and his wife Lucy started officiating when their daughters began swimming in 1988. He continued with the practice and became a renowned starter in USA swimming and for the NCAA. Duncan worked everything from local meets, NCAA championships and the Olympic Trials. Lucy and Dick both held numerous leadership positions including State Officials Chair with Indiana Swimming and served as mentors to countless officials across the country.
The Duncan family and Indiana Swimming have put together a scholarship fund that is awarded to two college bound seniors a part of the state’s LSC. This was to honor the legacy of Lucy and Dick Duncan.
This was part of the note written by the Duncan family posted on the Indiana Swimming media page:
“The Duncan family would like to thank the entire swimming community for their love and support. Dick Duncan passed peacefully at home on Feb. 15. His legacy of laughter, fairness, hard work and friendship will continue through swimmers, coaches, and officials who knew him.”
Duncan was selected to be a starter on the officiating staff at the 2020 Olympic Trials in Omaha.
I didn’t know Dick well, but always looked forward to working meets in Indy that he and Lucy ran. They would also travel to Columbus to work meets as well. He was always friendly and willing to give advice. Not too many people keep giving to a sport like the Duncans long after their children have finished swimming. I sincerely hope USA Swimming will recognize his contributions at Trials. Maybe a moment of silence before the first race goes off. Being named a starter, much less being chosen to officiate, at Trials is a huge honor. My thoughts are with his family.
The world definitely lost a good one.
Dick was always there with a smile and pat on the back every time I saw him. Kind, thoughtful and generous. He was a blessing to all who knew him. Shay and I thinking about Lucy and the entire Duncan family. We will remember Dick with fondness and appreciation for all his selfless willingness to serve and help.
May he rest in peace.
Dick will be sorely missed. A wonderful human being. A great offical, and an even better friend and mentor to many.