Duncan Burford

IckyI am late learning about Duncan’s passing. He and you were great supportive resources to the Fischer Family who now all reside in Bainbridge Island WA. Dylan who in now 33 still remembers you helping him adjust. Duncan probably saved my life. I am sorry for your loss. I loved reading the obit. I learned so much about him. I always knew he was a gentle genius. Sandy Fischer and family

I met Duncan in 1973 at the Mental Health Center in Billings & developed a long standing history of friendship. I was honored to learn from him @ for his trust in my professional work. He took an interest in my endeavors & his strengths were immense both professionally & personally. We became especially close this past two years when he sought me out a program for maintenance of strength. For the past year we met multiple times over coffee & lunch & most recently his Respite apartment. I will forever cherish my friendship with Duncan.

Duncan was such a gentle soul. Working alongside him precepting family medicine residents I learned so much. Duncan would talk with patients and truly listen to their stories. He was renown for getting the whole picture. His soft drawl, gentle manner, and joie de vie will be missed.

Words can not come close to expressing my feelings. Duncan and I first met over 25 years ago when I heard of a psychiatrist in the community who might be willing to help us out at what was then Deering Clinic/Yellowstone City-County Health Department. I called, and his first questions were not of salary or workload. Instead, he would help only if he could work with and teach other professionals in addressing the community's mental health issues. We soon built a team of professionals; and, he became our mentor, colleague, and my personal friend. His even keeled approach to teaching and patient care soon became the focus of our mission. He guided, helped, and loved so many professionals and patients. His loss is not just a loss for us but the whole community. Vicki and family, I know these last several years have been very difficult. Thank you for the loving care and support you provided Duncan. When he and I spent time together, his first topic of discussion was always his family. In fact, I learned things about his life from the obituary that he never got around to mentioning since he was always updating and expressing his pride and love for his family. "A life well lived" falls incredibly short in describing his life. Again, words fail me; but, I know he will remain a part of me for the rest of my life.

To Vicki and Family: Sending love from Minnesota to you all. We remember meeting Duncan for the first time at the 1994 Upah Family Reunion at Clear Lake Iowa, where Vicki introduced Duncan to the Upah Clan (50+ people), and Duncan enthusiastically and joyfully joined in on the family festivities with everyone there. He was an instant hit with the Upah clan, and we were all so lucky to have him. Duncan was a giver, and we can't thank the both of you enough Vicki for 'Giving' our family and so many other families so many wonderful vacation and family memories out there in Montana. Thinking back to your first dance together to "Have I told you Lately" by Rod Stewart at your wedding, and how tightly you two held on and floated around the dance floor together. A beautiful memory, out of 1000's of wonderful memories you had together. Enjoy them all. That's what they are there for. God Bless Duncan, and love to you all...! Ty & Jill Caswell and Family