We Remember

DUGGAN, Richard William “Dick”

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It is with love and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Richard “Dick” William Duggan, 96 of Kelowna, BC, late on the evening of May 9, 2025. Born and educated in Toronto, Ontario, Dick was the youngest son of Charles Edward and Kathleen (née Lyner) Duggan.

Growing up on the Toronto Islands, Dick was, from a very young age, inspired by events taking place on the open water. He involved himself in rowing, paddling, and sailing and was fortunate to find his lane and community in the sailing world. An early focus on Flying Dutchman skills led him to many awards, accolades, and accomplices in that class. He was a master at light air tactics and a true gentleman both on and off the water.

Dick caught the eye of a young stewardess, Barbara Parsons, and in 1959 they were married and moved to Vancouver, BC and soon moved to the North Shore finding a house where they both spent 31 years raising their two sons, Michael Patrick and Craig Stuart Duggan.

Dick brought his Dutchman to Vancouver and quickly became involved in the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club (RVYC). After moving to the North Shore, Dick joined the West Vancouver Yacht Club (WVYC). He began what can only be termed as an historic sailing journey through several different mono hulls, summer and winter weekly races and family cruising adventures through the Gulf/San Juan Islands and up the Desolation Sound.

Retiring at 58, Dick and Barbara eventually moved to Kelowna, BC in 1991, where he was quick to become a member in Kelowna Yacht Club (KYC). He was a central figure in the redesign and rebuilding of the Yacht Club when the original lease expired – and his insistence that the club remains a yacht club first and foremost is evident in the design and decoration of many of the nautical features. The club’s flagstaff (a.k.a. ‘Dick’s Stick’) which Dick designed and commissioned is of traditional yachting design and hearkens back to an earlier more nostalgic age of sailors and sailing. His tireless efforts with the club in this regard earned him life membership, the Mabel Hall award, and a prominent place in the Club’s growing history. He was also an avid R/C sailor & helmed his Victoria ‘Ion 2’ to victory on several occasions. Dick was instrumental in starting up the Okanagan Model Sailboat Assn.

Dick and Barbara travelled extensively. He had a passion for the world, as evidenced by the Smithsonian level archive of Travel books in his possession and was continuously inspired to see everything new and exotic, cruising the Mediterranean, the BVI’s, Antigua; travelling to Italy, Greece, France, China, Australia, South Africa, Egypt, Ireland, and the UK to mention a few. He was always open to a new location and its history.

Dick, having been predeceased by his wife Barbara, will be greatly missed by his sons Michael (Catherine) and Craig (Heidi) and six grandchildren: Taylor, Lauren, Summer, and Maya Duggan of Kelowna and Connor and Sarah Duggan of Duvall, Washington. He will also be lovingly remembered by the yachting community and his dear friends.

Memorial Donations in Dick’s name may be made to:
Junior Sailing
Kelowna Yacht Club
1370 Water Street
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1J1

A Celebration of Life, will be held on FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM (PDT), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view in 3-5 days. A reception will be held following the service from 2:30 – 4:00 pm, at The Kelowna Yacht Club 1370 Water St, Kelowna, BC.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

LIVESTREAM:

Service
FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM (PDT)

Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME

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Junior Sailing Kelowna Yacht Club Link: kelownayachtclub.com/sailing/youth-sailing-kelowna

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for DUGGAN, Richard William “Dick” is scheduled for FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Kent, Kerri & Grant Hardisty says:
    May 14, 2025 at 11:41 am

    As members & fellow sailors, our family met Dick through the Kelowna Yacht Club. Dick was an amazing sailor, super kind and always genuinely happy. Condolences to the Duggan family. Dick will be remembered fondly by all.

    Reply
  • Jolynne Thomas says:
    May 14, 2025 at 9:45 pm

    I met Dick when he lived at Hawthorn Park. He was truly a remarkable and kind man. I feel so fortunate that I had the opportunity to spend time with Dick and I will miss him dearly. Whenever I see a sailboat, I will smile and think of my friend on his next adventure. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

    Reply
  • Brad Hallam says:
    May 15, 2025 at 10:12 am

    We raced and worked on many projects with the gentleman “ Dickster” . Always had a great story and memories to share. You will be sadly missed my friend. Our condolences to Craig and family.
    Brad & Lori Hallam

    Reply
  • Glen Dickey says:
    May 16, 2025 at 9:39 am

    Janet and I met Dick through my brother many years ago – Dick and he happened to be brothers in law on opposite coasts. Dick introduced me to the Kelowna Yacht Club, and has been a great friend ever since that time. Dick was a gentleman, always freely sharing his advice on order and protocol as he deemed necessary, which seemed to be often. He was not enthralled with my sailing ability, but I did get to torture him as part of his crew a few times . We will very much miss our visits with Dick, and our sincere condolences to Craig, Michael and their families.

    Reply
  • Juy Strongman says:
    May 16, 2025 at 12:40 pm

    The Duggan family ,Our dear friends, fondly remembered. with love, The Strongman family

    Reply
  • Rich Reitmeier says:
    May 17, 2025 at 4:30 pm

    I met dick at his 75 th birthday party along with Barb in Surrey at Craigs house. I was dating Barb’s sister Nancy . I felt welcome
    Dick and I hit off we enjoyed several adventures together ,when the girls were shopping. We had a lot of fun and were dubbed the two swinging dicks. I feel blessed and fortunate to have fond memories of Barb and Dick . Smooth sailing my friend.
    ,

    Reply

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