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Duncan Tennant
April 24, 1920 - September 24, 2018
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Duncan George Tennant passed away peacefully on Monday 24 September 2018 in Osoyoos B.C. at the age of 98.
He was predeceased by his wife Dorothy in 2013 and his son John in 1983. He is survived by sons Bruce and Bob (Senka) as well as grandchildren Chantal, Melisa, Daniel, Oliver, Victoria, Michael. He was predeceased by his step-grandchild David in 2017. He also leaves behind John (brother) and Joan Tennant as well as many Nieces and Nephews, his close friend Ben and caregiver Maria in Osoyoos.
Duncan was born and raised in Vancouver. He attended Kitsilano High School where he played trombone in the Kitsilano Boys Band and met his future wife Dorothy. They were married in 1943. He went on to the University of Toronto where he graduated in Optometry in 1946 winning the Arthur Johnson Medal for Applied & Mechanical Optics and the College Award for best all-around student.
He returned to Vancouver and opened his Optometric practice in downtown Vancouver and later in Edgemont Village in North Vancouver where he practiced for many years. He served a term as President of the Canadian Optometric Association and was on the Board of Examiners. In the later years of his practice Dunc and Dorothy went on over 20 medical missions with the Medical Missions Society where they would conduct eye examinations and fit glasses. They were in South America, Central America, Africa and the Caribbean. They fitted thousands of glasses and artificial eyes.
Dunc loved working with his hands. He spent many hours in his work shop building furniture, small boats and finally restoring antiques. He was an avid gardener all his life, especially growing his chrysanthemums and his veggie garden. He also greatly enjoyed his time as a member of the Hollyburn Sailing Club where he once served as Commodore.
Dunc and Dorothy were long time members of Highlands United Church in North Vancouver before they retired to Osoyoos in 1997. They loved Osoyoos and were fortunate to make many new friends there.
A life well lived!
A graveside service will be held at the Osoyoos Lakeview Cemetery at a later date.
Condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-Pottinger.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service and Crematorium, Oliver and Osoyoos 250-498-0167.
Condolences
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From: Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium
Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Frank and Leanne Roy
Relation: Frank's step brother since the 70's
Frank and I were sad to see Dunc’s obituary this morning in the paper. We haven’t seen him before he and Dorothy moved. I have fond memories of them both. So glad he enjoyed his time in Osoyoos and had such a productive life. A gentleman and a scholar with a sense of humour!
From: James C. Thompson
Relation: Optometrist that carried on his practice. My father and Duncan were classmates
Duncan – You will be missed. Patients still ask about you. Even though your retirement was 1988. You and Dorthy have touched thousands of people not only internationally but locally. One of those lives that has been changed is mine. You have shown me different modes of optometry practice in 1985 that I still use today.
From: Ron and Nancy Lively
We’ve been friends with Dunc and Dorothy for years and loved them both. We’d visit them in Osoyoos, and after Dorothy’s memory failed, were amazed at the wonderful care Dunc gave her – the meals he prepared, surprised us! He was an amazing gentleman and will be missed so much.
From: Barbara (Dunkin) and Wayne Scott
Relation: Old friend and patient.
To Bruce and Bob and families,
We’ve never met, but we wish you to know we were sorry to read of Dunc’s passing. We always had the greatest regard for him, and for your lovely mother Dorothy. They were both marvellous people and we’re happy to know they lived such long, productive lives.
My father, John Dunkin, was also an optometrist, in the Birks Building, but graduated many years – 17 or 18 – ahead of Dunc, and he often mentioned him as I believe they were on the Board of examiners together. They had a lot of fondness and respect for each other. I still have a beautiful letter sent by Dunc when my dad died in 1985. In later years Dunc was our family optometrist, in the Edgemont office. It was always a pleasure to see him, and hear of their latest Medical Missions adventures.
Coincidentally, my husband and his family, the Scotts, had lived next to Dunc and Dorothy in the early 50’s on West 38th Ave.
As is mentioned in the obituary, “A life well lived” and indeed it was.
We feel so fortunate to have known your father.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
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