Roderick M Duncan “Rod” “Monty” passed away at home on April 2, 2022. Rod was born to Judge Philip and Kathryn Duncan in Whitehall, MT on September 27, 1934.
Rod was raised in Whitehall and graduated from Whitehall High School in 1952. He attended the US Maritime Academy in Long Island, New York being one of two Montana appointees. He then attended West Point Military Academy, Western Montana College and The University of Montana earning a bachelor degree in History and Political Science in 1957.
Rod enlisted in the Air Force in 1957 requesting pilot training. He was commissioned into the United States Air Force in 1958 as a 2nd Lt Strategic Air Command Team. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam in 1965 and 1966 as a pilot of KC-135 refueling B-52 Bomber planes. He discharged in 1967 as a Captain. He received the United States Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement for his service during this time.
Rod continued his love of aviation as a commercial pilot for Western and Delta Airlines for a total of 28 years as a line pilot/Captain. He retired in 1994.
In August 1963 he married Sally A Brooks. Together they raised four children – Teri Eubanks, Debbie Bowman, Melanie Labrum, and Monty Duncan. They made their home in Orange County California.
Rod had many hobbies which included fishing, photography, computers, history, building trains, anything to do with aviation, gadgets and “tinkering”.
In 1997, Rod returned to his Montana roots, renewing old high school friendships where he then became known to all as “Monty”. He re-ignited a high school prom date crush — Kay (Carmody) Spackman and in 1999 they were married. Together they rekindled many old friendships and cherished these times. They made their home in Butte and spent their retirement years traveling as much as humanly possible, enjoying many trips abroad as well as within the United States going coast to coast. They took every opportunity to visit family and friends and always enjoyed being a part of activities of their large extended family. Monty was a dedicated supporter of the World Museum of Mining, where he volunteered his extensive photography experience in restoring historical photos. He loved and supported the arts and the Mother Lode Theatre, he loved Butte, Whitehall and Virginia City history. He is survived by his wife Kay, and children Teri Eubanks, Debbie (George) Bowman, Melanie Labrum (Craig), Monty (Candace) Duncan, Darla (Ric) Palmer, Susan (John) Breining, Renee Spackman, Tim Spackman, Kim (Kelly) Hayes, and Jill (Mark) Allen. He was preceded in death by Kay’s son Jeff Spackman, and great grand-daughter Penelope Hintz and his brother David Duncan.
He was proud of his blended family where he and Kay are survived by 23 grandchildren and their spouses and 16 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Jane Duncan, and her children, Irene (Tom) Erdie and their children and brother-in-law Lee Hurley.
Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 9th at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on the corner of Caledonia St. and North Western Ave. in Butte. Funeral Mass will begin at 10 am at the church. Rite of Committal with Military Honors will be held at 2:30 pm at the Whitehall Cemetery in Whitehall, Montana. Memorials in honor of Monty are suggested to Jefferson Valley Museum, PO Box 902, Whitehall, MT 59759, or Motherlode Theatre, PO Box 522, Butte, MT 59703, or World Museum of Mining, P.O. Box 33, Butte, MT 59703.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Monty.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Roderick and his family.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m.
Saturday April 9, 2022
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Corner of Caledonia St. and N. Western Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Saturday April 9, 2022
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Corner of Caledonia St. and N. Western Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Luncheon
Following Mass
Saturday April 9, 2022
To be announced when arrangements are finalized
Butte, Montana 59701
Burial with Military Honors
2:30 p.m.
Saturday April 9, 2022
Whitehall Cemetery
Whitehall , Montana
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m.
Saturday April 9, 2022
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Corner of Caledonia St. and N. Western Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Saturday April 9, 2022
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Corner of Caledonia St. and N. Western Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Luncheon
Following Mass
Saturday April 9, 2022
To be announced when arrangements are finalized
Butte, Montana 59701
Burial with Military Honors
2:30 p.m.
Saturday April 9, 2022
Whitehall Cemetery
Whitehall , Montana
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Tom Henderson says
Tom and Irene….so sorry about your loss
John and Jackie Sawyer says
To Kay and Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I will always cherish our visits and stories , lunches and dinners with you. With love from Your family in Wisconsin. John and Jackie
C. Daniel Stefferud says
My condolences to Rod’s family. I flew L.A. to Hawaii several times with Rod and he was a pleasure to fly and work with. Blessings to you as you grieve over Rod’s passing. RIP Rod.
Dan Stefferud
WAL/Delta pilot