Duncan Albert Smith

Duncan Albert Smith was born on November 29, 1965, in New York City, the son of Wilbur John Smith, Jr. and Caroline Read Smith. From the very beginning Duncan loved to travel, living as a small child first in Beirut, Lebanon and later in London, England. Duncan learned to ski in Switzerland. As a child, he also lived in Pittsburgh PA, Wilson Wy, Lawrenceville NJ and in the early 1980's he made his way down to Garner, North Carolina. NC would be his home for the rest of his life. As an adult, Duncan continued to love traveling, visiting Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. In the early 1990s Duncan accompanied his uncle Greg over to Poland for an adventure, as he met members of his Polish family and worked / lived on a Polish farm for a time, learning how to speak Polish and how to care for the animals on the farm. Duncan would never forget his Poland experience and would often speak fondly of his memories from that time. When Duncan returned from Poland, he discovered his true calling as a cook at The WaYle House, where he contributed his dedication and talents for more than 20 years. Duncan was loyal, hardworking, and generous, working his way up to supervisory positions and often teaching new cooks the ropes. Duncan had very high standards and new cooks learned that quickly under his care. Duncan was sociable and had the uncanny ability to identify with and strike up a conversation, with seemingly anyone, treating them as if they had been friends for many years already. This was true not just at home in NC, but indeed anywhere in the world where he traveled. All his life Duncan loved fishing, learning at an early age how to fly fish in the cold trout streams of Montana. In the summer, Duncan could often be found fishing at local spots, or at his favorite location, a fishing pier down at the North Carolina coast, or casting oY the beach. He loved a good charter boat trip too. He was especially fond of his memories of fishing in Lake Taupo in New Zealand, on a trip with his uncle Greg, visiting friends Bob and Janet Gregory. Later in life, Duncan was able to take a two-week trip to England and Scotland, going on another international adventure. Duncan is survived by his younger brother, Chris, sister-in-law Alicja, niece Amanda, nephew Alex, his partner Elizabeth Koster, good friends Bill and Melissa Wood and many other friends and acquaintances. Duncan passed away on Sunday, March 17th, 2024. A memorial service to celebrate Duncan's life will be planned and announced at a later date.