Roll Call Tribute

Published in (Deerfield Beach FL) Sun-Sentinel from June 30 to July 1, 2018

Mike Duncan(1970 - 2018)
Mike Duncan, Soccer Coach and Texas Aggie business man, dies at age 47. Due to complications from an elective surgery to repair a heart valve, Michael Stephen Duncan of Leander, TX, passed away 8 days later at 6:30 p.m. on June 21, 2018 at St. David's South Austin Hospital, Austin, Texas. Mike was born in Miami, Florida on July 7, 1970 and graduated in 1988 from Pope John Paul II High School in Boca Raton, FL. Mike attended Lynn University on a full ride soccer scholarship and earned a BA in Business in 1992. His undergraduate highlights include winning a National Championship and being Runner Up the other three seasons. He grew up watching Miami Football, bragging about their "Swag", and throwing up "The U". His love and enthusiasm for soccer paved a path that led to unforgettable memories as a player and a coach. His passion for the game was obvious to all who knew him. He influenced countless and transformed players into young adults. As one player said, "Hands down best time in life so far." From pre-game music to "Heart of the Lion" speeches, Mike made you a believer. His children are blessed to have experienced this gift of soccer and sport through their father's eyes. Mike's coaching didn't stop when he entered the business world. In 2016, Mike graduated from Texas A&M with a Masters of Industrial Distribution to help his wife define the family business and create the image of Guardian Industrial Supply. He was a born leader and integrated a coaching style to develop business and the relationships around him. Mike would say "Don't focus on the labels. Focus on the strengths of people and see how you can be a team and be competitive." "He did so much more than what was expected of him. He set the bar. The Aggie core values are respect, leadership, integrity, loyalty, excellence and selfless service and Mike was all that. His selfless giving defined him." – Dr. Malini Natarajarathinam, professor at Texas A&M. Mike leaves behind his wife of 13 years, Christina (Toldy) and their children Kristian, Ethan, Danika and Xander; He is survived by his mother, Susie Duncan (Mitchell), Boca Raton, FL; his father Samuel Richard Duncan, Vero Beach, FL; his brothers Sammy and Ryan, Vero Beach, FL. A celebration of life will be held at 2pm, Saturday, July 7, 2018 at New Hope First Baptist Church, 200 W. New Hope Drive, Cedar Park, TX 78613, and officiated by Pastor Ted Davenport, of Hill Country Bible Church. Mike's ashes will be interred at Remembrance Gardens in Austin, Texas. An annual Candlelight Memorial Service will be held every December. Information can be found each fall at www.remembrancegardens.com. In his honor, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Flowers may be sent to New Hope Church on Friday, July 6, 2018 before 2:30pm. Memorials may be sent to the family at 3704 Goodnight Trail, Leander, TX 78641