Duncan Kenneth Law

The story of Duncan Kenneth Law begins in Hong Kong on 22 February 1921, where he was born to Fannie Martha Law and George Gunn Law, both of U.S. citizenship. At age 13 months with his Mother and sister he sailed to Portland, Oregon where he lived his early years. His early grammar school years were spent in Astoria; his high school years in Portland, graduating from Washington High School in 1939. In the summers he began to work at Elmore Cannery under the old Chinese Contract Labor system; room and board at the cannery bunk house. Here he learned more chinese spoken language. Working at the cannery afforded him his college education and graduating in 1944 with a degree from then Oregon State College. His cannery days sparked his interest to accept a job in fisheries research, that became a 40 year career, with the Oregon State University, Department of Food Science and Technology, retiring in 1984, Professor Emeritus. In 1966, he received the U.S. Dept. of Interior Conservation Service award for development of the Oregon moist pellet which became standard feed in aquaculture & salmon hatcheries. Other research included food for human consumption as well; fish sausage, shrimbos, fish protein ?concentrate & surimi.

In 1950, Duncan married Flora Lee. From this happy marriage, four sons and 2 daughters arrived. It was also during this period that Duncan spent time with the youth and enjoyed his Junior Optimist group as their leader. When his own sons became scouting age, Duncan became a Boy Scout Master. In 1976 he was honored with the Boy Scouts of America-Silver Beaver award in recognition of volunteer service. A notable percentage of scouts under his leadership became eagle scouts. The boys that Duncan mentored in both youth groups rewarded him with close and warm friendships to the end of his life.

Duncan took great interest in community service. He took leadership roles in both the Young's Bay Salmon Enhancement project and establishing the Seafood Consumer Center. It may be said that the Young's Bay fisheries program greatly benefited the commercial fisheries with a new income source, and the consumer center was enjoyed by all for both teaching and as an events center. 1971 began his role as councilman on the Astoria City Council for 13 years. He was best known for his ability to diffuse controversial issues and was called the "peace maker."

In recent years he actively participated and played a role in the development of the memorial park, ?"The Garden of Surging Waves."

From the time he was a child and through his adult years, Duncan's family and friends enjoyed his musical talent as a pianist.

Lastly, but perhaps the most important, he was a wonderful, loving husband and father. He played an active and important role in the children's and grandchildren's upbringing. In the early 1990s, Duncan and Flora, started a "cousins" camp that later evolved into "family" camp. For the past 23 years this tradition has kept the family closely together. This annual event takes place in Douglas County at Camp Lane.

Duncan is survived by his wife, Flora. Children: Robbie (and Tricia) of Reedsport, Oregon; Randy (and Mary) of Corvallis: Roger (and Patti) of Tualatin; Ron (and Rosemary) of Astoria; Joyce (and Jim Kooiman) of Eugene; and Jani (and Rob Selven) of Eugene. He is survived by 17 grand children: Ryan Law of Vancouver, Washington; Stacy Law of Astoria; Melissa Law of Forest Grove; Carina Kooiman of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Kaylee Hamann of Riverside, California; Jamie Kooiman of Grand Rapids, Michigan; David Law of Branson, Missouri; Christina Law of Corvallis; Sarah Law of Corvallis; and Jaime Law of Corvallis; Amy Selven of Eugene; Kaari Selven of Tacoma, Washington; Krissie Selven of Eugene; Michael Selven of Eugene; Alison Law of San Francisco, California; Brian Law of Eugene; and Duncan M. Law of Portland.

The family wishes to share, celebrate and remember Duncan's life with a 2:00 p.m. memorial service, Sunday 24 March 2013 at the ?Liberty Theater.

In lieu of flowers, memorials kindly accepted to Garden of Surging Waves, Astoria High School Scholarship Fund, or ?First Lutheran Church.