Kenneth Ivan Duncan, 94 years old, Resident of Vashon Island for 53 years, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2018, in Everett, Washington. He was one of the last members of The Greatest Generation.

Ken was born in Cashmere on March 18, 1923, the second born of eight children. His family never had much money; he spent his childhood in rural towns. Like many others he grew up during the Great Depression, a period of great hardship. The lessons he learned from this time regarding hard work and sacrifice shaped him into the man he was.

Ken joined the US Navy in 1943, and at his honorable discharge, attained the rank of Aviation Radioman, 3rd class. He was assigned to an Avenger, a bomber whose nickname was the “flying coffin.” He spent three years in the Navy, and had many tales to tell! Ken had the opportunity to travel to Washington DC with his daughter and the Puget Sound Honor Flight in 2016 to view war memorials with other WWII vets.

He was treated like royalty, with honor and dignity.

In 1949 Ken married the love of his life, Marilyn Marcho, and they remained together for 64 years, until her death in 2013. They scrimped and saved and worked hard to purchase a lot on Vashon Island, where they hoped to build a home. Two daughters came along, Candy and Connie, and in 1965 construction began on what would become their dream home. Over the years, Ken would come home from his job in Seattle, and then proceed to work on the house. He was the kind of man who could build or repair anything!

Ken had a soft spot for animals. The family loved dogs and cats, and seldom went very long without one (or more!). He greatly missed his cat, Lily.

Ken was preceeded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn, brothers Ron and Duane, and sisters Shirley and Marlene.

Ken is survived by a multitude of friends, relatives, and neighbors, who loved him for his wit, warmth, and friendliness. Daughters Candy Duncan-Gjertsen and her husband, George, of Mukilteo, and Connie Zue and her husband, Brian, of Issaquah will miss his love, loyalty, and constant devotion to their families through the years. Ken also leaves behind three sisters Rita, Kaye, and Sandy, four granddaughters, two grandsons, and one great-grandson.

The family would like to extend thanks to Ken’s kind and caring island neighbors, Vashon Thriftway, The Senior Center, and special angel, Chris P. Daughter Candy feels a debt of gratitude to the staff of Family’s Choice Adult Family Home. They embraced Dad with tender loving care during his final few months.

Memorial service will be held Monday, February 5, at the Senior Center, Vashon, at 2:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served afterwards.

A military interment at Tahoma National Cemetery will be held on Wednesday, January 31, reception to follow.

Please visit our online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com.