Matthew Duncan

Matthew Jacob Duncan, known affectionately to all as Matt, embraced the beauty of this world with a loving heart and a creative spirit until his unexpected departure on April 27, 2024. Born on March 29, 1980, in Davenport, Iowa, Matt's journey began as a beacon of joy and ingenuity. It was in his beloved hometown of Davenport that he drew his last breath, surrounded by the natural wonders he cherished so deeply.

Matt's life was a testament to the power of love and creativity. A proud graduate of North High School, he carried the lessons of his youth throughout his life, infusing his work and passions with the wisdom he had gathered. His professional path was a mosaic of artistic and practical endeavors; from the intricate dance of setting up stages for live concerts with IATSE Local 85 to the delicate art of glass blowing, Matt's hands shaped beauty and utility in equal measure. His commitment to landscaping and building ponds was not merely a job but a labor of love, as he sculpted the earth into a sanctuary for all living things.

Beyond his work, Matt found solace and joy in the company of his feathered friends, Chili and Chiquita, who were more than pets; they were a part of his soul. His garden was a vibrant canvas where the colors of life bloomed under his tender care. Matt's love of nature was boundless—birds, butterflies, bees, and bugs all found a friend in him. He nurtured the earth and, in return, it nurtured him, his daughter Azalea, who was the apple of his eye, his "seed", and whom he called "BUG" or "Boogie". She was his playmate and best friend, always going to feed the ducks at Vanderveer Park or cooking dinner out back on the campfire; they were indeed two peas in a pod. His big sister, Melissa "Missi" Harrington, who he was always so proud of for her strength in difficult times, and his mother, Sandra "Sandy" Duncan, who he always said was so brave all the time. He loved them all with every fiber of his being.

Matt's legacy is one of profound love and wisdom. He saw the world not just as it was but as it could be—full of potential and ripe for transformation. His creative spirit was a flame that ignited inspiration in others. Whether he was painting murals that captured the essence of the human spirit or blowing glass that reflected the light of the world around him, Matt's artistic vision was a gift to all who had the privilege of witnessing it.

Matt was a teacher, mentor, and friend in every aspect of his life. His words carried the weight of experience and the lightness of humor. To be in Matt's presence was to feel seen and understood. He listened with an open heart and spoke with a gentle wisdom that resonated with those fortunate enough to cross his path.

As we celebrate the life of Matthew Jacob Duncan, we are reminded that our time here is precious and that each moment is an opportunity to spread love, learn, grow, and create. Matt's journey may have reached its physical end, but his influence continues to ripple through the lives he touched. His spirit, as vibrant and enduring as the nature he adored, will continue to guide us like a butterfly that flutters gracefully on the breeze, leading us toward the light.

Let us honor Matt's memory by embracing the world with the same passion and wonder that he did. Let us find joy in the flight of a bird, the bloom of a flower, and the intricate patterns of life that surround us. In doing so, we keep the essence of Matt alive—a loving, wise, and creative soul who saw the magic in the everyday and the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Matthew Jacob Duncan's story is not one of an ending but a beautiful reminder that our lives are canvases on which we can paint with the boldest of colors and the most tender of strokes. He may have left us in body, but his spirit remains a guiding light, encouraging us to live with purpose, cherish our connections, and make the world a more beautiful place, just as he did.

He is preceded in death by his father, Craig Duncan.

A Celebration of Life will be held in June; details will be TBD.

Please share your memories with the family and express condolences on his Memeory Page at mvcremation.com