February 11, 1993-March 21, 2011

David Reed Duncan arrived in the world on February 11, 1993. He was born big and hungry with a lust, zest and joy for life that never deserted him. He was handsome, compassionate, loving, gentle, fierce, loyal and intelligent. But he was not perfect. David was a recovering addict and had battled that disease with a determination unlike anything else he had done in this life. He was so proud of his sobriety, and fought valiantly to be the master of his body. David had just graduated from his IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) and his peers looked up to him as an example that addiction can indeed be overcome.

David was the quintessential ‘people person.’ His hands were always ready and willing to help anybody, anytime, anywhere. He was not concerned if people liked him or not, he just loved them first.

Not many teenagers have to deal with both parents teaching at their high school. Rather than being bothered, David would call "Hi Mommy!" from the far end of campus, and run to give one of his famous bear hugs to his mom in front of whomever was there.

David was fearless: the champion of the underdog, the defender of the downtrodden, and the friend of the friendless. Once, when very young with a slight speech impediment, David said, "Mommy I wuv you." I responded, "Oh David, I wuv you too!" He said " No mommy, not wuv, WUV!" My dear sweet David, I wuv you?.

David is survived by his mother and father, his three sisters and one brother, a young niece, a large extended family, his Valencia High School family, his ward church family, his IOP family, and all those who knew and remember his dazzling smile.

I am so honored to call David Reed Duncan my son.

-Lovingly submitted by
Lisa Duncan

This is part of the April 08, 2011 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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