The Rev Bob Howat Duncan
A MINISTER, the Rev Bob Howat Duncan, who served Shanklin’s United Reformed Church for more than ten years, has died, aged 85.
Born and raised near Motherwell, Scotland, Mr Duncan studied theology and arts at Glasgow University and did his ministerial training at its Trinity College.
He married his wife, Louise, who he met while seeking work after finishing his national service, on Christmas Eve, 1953.
They had two children, Robert and Caroline.
Mr Duncan took up a post in Ghana, where he worked as a district missionary, before returning to Scotland in 1966.
He served parishes in Greenock and Drumchapel, Glasgow, before moving to the IW in 1982 after being approached to take up a position serving united reformed churches.
Mr Duncan concentrated largely on Shanklin United Reformed Church and during his time there he started a lunchtime Bible ministry and a Christian bookshop, which still run today.
He retired in 1993, and moved to Wootton but continued to preach at Methodist churches around the Island.
Mr Duncan and his wife played bowls at Westlands and later at Ryde Bowls Club, and he joined the congregation at Ryde United Reformed Church, before returning to Shanklin to worship.
He leaves his wife, two children and four grandchildren.
Mr Duncan’s funeral was held at Shanklin United Reformed Church on April 30.
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