Harry Duncan, fun-loving retired Turriff postman – who once met Colonel Gaddafi – had died aged 86.
Inverurie born Harry Duncan
Born in Inverurie on July 17, 1935 to Justice of the Peace David Duncan and mum, Jessie Flett he moved to Turriff as a boy when his dad took up the role of JP for the town.
One of four, Harry had two sisters, Helen and Mabel, and a brother, David.
Educated firstly at Pitmedden in Inverurie then later at Turriff Academy, he left school around the age of 15.
National Service
When conscription called Harry served two years in the Royal Air Force where he was based in Shrewsbury. There, he learned his trade as a mechanic and also drove an RAF ambulance.
While still in the RAF he met future wife Mary Ann Duthie – known as Nan – of Fraserburgh.
At home one weekend he attended a dance in Broadsea Hall in the Broch and fell head over heels.
Married on November 9, 1956 at the Baptist Manse, Fraserburgh they Lived in Turriff.
The couple raised their children Linda, Yvonne, Harry and Jane, first in Cornfield Road, then Westbrae before Harry snr built the family home in Riddoch Lane.
‘Hello Post!’
After National Service Harry came home and found work in a commercial garage in Turriff.
He later joined the Post Office where he served the people of Turriff for more than 31 years.
Covering Turriff as well as Fyvie, Fisherie, New Deer, Auchterless, Forglen and Eastfield he was known to all.
“My dad was very well known,” said daughter Jane. “Over the years he must have delivered to every home in Turriff and people would shout out, ‘Hello Post!’ when he went by.”
When he wasn’t working Harry was a member of the local Masonic Lodge and loved to restore cars in his double garage at home.
A desert rendezvous with Gaddafi
He and Nan loved to travel, enjoying holidays in Spain and Tenerife over the years.
However, a family connection also allowed Harry to travel further afield on one occasion.
Jane explained: “My dad was one of only 12 people invited to go the the desert in Libya to meet Colonel Gaddafi.
“He said they drank green tea together and Gaddafi read the ‘green book’ to them. Sadly no photos were allowed and that’s about all we know about that trip!”
Living with loss
When Nan passed away on November 22, 2007, Harry’s life changed forever.
“They had a great marriage and he missed her terribly,” said Jane.
However, he took comfort in being Ga Ga to his 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren always making sure he brought fun and hilarity to their gatherings.
A favourite trick was to secretly grab a handful of raisins if ever he saw a blue bottle in the house to pretend he had eaten the fly – much to the disgust of the grandchildren.
He also banished everyone from the kitchen and turned his hand to cooking. His speciality was sticky toffee pudding.
Later years
Harry latterly moved into The Meadows home in Huntly in 2019. Before that he still enjoyed a drink at the British Legion and the Fife Arms, although he did maintain his daily 5pm whisky even at home.
A recent bout of Covid was followed by symptoms that persisted for weeks. Harry passed away on June 1, at The Meadows.
His funeral took place on Thursday, June 9 and his love of eclectic music reflected in the service.
Jane added: “I will remember my dad as a hard worker, someone who was full of fun and who loved his family.”
You can read the family’s announcement here.
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