A memorial service for Dr. Robert “Bob” Duncan — former businessman, prominent philanthropist and longtime supporter of Fresno State — will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 16, when the University’s U.S. and California flags will be posted at half-staff from sunset to sunrise in his honor.
The service will be at Northwest Church (5415 N. West Ave.) in Fresno.
Known as “Mr. Bulldog” for his unwavering support of the University, Dr. Duncan died on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at the age of 94. Dr. Duncan co-chaired fund drives that helped create major Valley landmarks like Bulldog Stadium and the Save Mart Center, and he led efforts to build the University Business Center in the Peters Business Building.
The former president of Duncan Enterprises (now iLovetoCreate ) — a Fresno-based manufacturer of products and supplies for the ceramics and craft industries — Dr. Duncan was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.
Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro, who ordered the flag tribute, said “Dr. Duncan was a devoted friend, fundraiser and donor to Fresno State who will be deeply missed,” in a statement released Wednesday.
“His connections to the University were many and deep, and his significant impact on Fresno State academics and athletics is clearly visible throughout our campus,” Castro said. “It was fitting that in 1996 Fresno State and the California State University conferred an honorary doctorate on him.”
Pat Ogle of the Bulldog Foundation hailed Dr. Duncan as “a trailblazer, an innovator and the most ardent fan of Bulldog athletics in the Valley,” noting he spearheaded the drive for an athletic training facility located near Bulldog Stadium that houses Fresno State’s football and soccer offices, locker rooms and a team meeting room. The facility was named the Robert E. Duncan Building in his honor.
“Mr. Duncan’s passion for academics and the success of student-athletes post-graduation was as important to him as the victories on the field,” Ogle said. “The Duncan Building will be a remembrance of a man whose deep love of Fresno State will never be forgotten.”
A Fresno Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, Duncan has served on the CSU Board of Governors and the University Advisory Board.
The Duncan family asks that remembrances be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Fresno or to the Fresno State Bulldog Foundation in lieu of flowers.
Related links:
