Eric Duncanson

Eric Duncanson, age 57 passed away unexpectantly on April 29, 2022.

Eric was born in Vale of Leven, Dumbartonshire, Scotland, the son of Alexander & Joan Duncanson on March 31, 1965. 

Through divine intervention, Eric fell in love with a southern gal.  He traveled across the pond for a new adventure, relocating to North Carolina in June of 2000 after a short, long-distance romance.  On November 10, 2001, he married Deanne (De) and in 2005, they were blessed by the birth of their daughter, Emmalee when their family became complete.

Eric loved his home country, was a proud Scot but also chose to obtain his US Citizenship in April of 2012.  He graciously said, “I’m forever a proud Scot by birth and also an American by choice”.  He shared love of his birthplace with all who knew him, celebrating Burns Suppers in the US, becoming a member of the St. Andrews Society, sharing his culture even his love of haggis.  He even chose to wear a kilt honoring his heritage but also representing the love of his girls, choosing a tartan called ‘Scottish American’. 

After receiving his mechanical engineering degree, he became passionate about the golf course industry beginning his career in Scotland, ‘the home of golf’.  He came to the States sponsored by The Ohio State University Global Turf Training Program after a career at Loch Lomond Golf Club to join Mid Pines/Pine Needles Resort & Golf Club where he devoted 21 years.  He was a member of the TETAC organization, taught at Sandhills Community College, was a guest lecturer across the US and served with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America on the Equipment Managers Task Group as well as an instructor. At the time of his death, he was excited to be enjoying a career at Mid South Club/Talamore Resort.  Eric always hoped his legacy would be that he served, shared his knowledge and experience with his colleagues and peers, willing to step in with help in any capacity, at any time.  Many of his colleagues considered him one of the best there was.

Eric had a heart full of love, fun and laughter with a giving nature.  His passion was in his family, friends, good food, golf, music but one of his true joys was his beloved Glasgow Rangers.  He was a dedicated Freemason, so proud to have been a member and past master of Lodge Leven St. John 170 in Scotland, a member of William G. Hill Lodge in Raleigh and continued his commitment while living in the States.

If you knew Eric, you knew that he had the ‘gift of gab’ even if you couldn’t understand every word - he would tell you a story, share an experience, give you advice and basically had something to say about every topic; you may not have gotten a word in edgewise but it was truly his desire to engage, cultivate and share his heart.  His personality and presence were larger than life.  My ‘SB’…..‘The Wee Man’ will be forever missed. 

Eric was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Steven. 

Eric is survived by his wife, Deanne Evans Duncanson and daughter, Emmalee Evans Duncanson of Sanford, North Carolina.  He is also survived by his daughter, Hazel Duncanson of Scotland.

A celebration service will be held, Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 3:30 at Cool Springs Baptist Church, 1313 Cool Springs Road, Sanford, NC 27330.  The family will receive friends prior the service at 2:30 in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to an education account that has been established for Eric’s daughter, Emmalee his "Peanut," who intends to pursue a career in medicine.  Checks can be made out to Emmalee Duncanson and mailed to PO Box 2305, Sanford, NC 27331.