Celebration of Life for Jeffrey Laurence Duncan

 

Jeffrey Laurence Duncan (December 29, 1962 – August 1, 2020) was a man extraordinaire, having had a most wonderful and fulfilling life.  Born the “apple of his mother’s eye” he continued throughout life to be “a star” in so many other lives.  He was indeed one of a kind.

EARLY LIFE

Jeffrey was born in Toledo Ohio to Sally and Onard Duncan.  As an only child, Jeffrey easily fell into the spotlight.  He entertained, charmed, and delighted those around him.  He was surrounded by loving extended family and cherished each of them.  A happy child, Jeffrey always gave back as much love as he was given. 

ADULT LIFE

Jeffrey graduated from Maumee High School in 1981 and began the adventures that would become his personal signature in life.  He joyfully went where opportunity presented itself, living in a whole bunch of states.  All of that came to a sudden halt when he discovered the love of his life, partner Jeff Graczyk and decided to settle down.  Together for the last 22-years, Jeffrey and Jeff combined the yin and yang of two totally different people to create and unique and fabulous life for themselves.  One to be honored.

CAREER

After exploring lots of options that just did not click, Jeffrey, always the adventurer, made his way to South Florida and ultimately decided to attend Al Stevens Cosmetology School.  Wham!  He found his creative genius and began a very successful career in the beauty industry.  This included owning his own salon ‘Jeffrey Laurence Hair Designs’ for 8-years.  Jeffrey also served as Regional Education Director for Toni & Guy doing a great deal of creative and stage work.  After closing his salon, Jeffrey went to work at Snip Salon in Maumee where he found mounds of wonderful co-workers that he was proud to call friends.  He completed his career at Tease Salon in Fort Lauderdale.  At Tease, Jeffrey found “surrogate family”, and this family eased the burden of his cancer and made sure he had the support and love he needed as he approached end of life. 

FAMILY & FRIENDS

Jeffrey was fortunate to having spent his life surrounded by an incredible lot of loving family and friends.  Making friends came easily to him and he readily charmed those he met.  Often, if he wandered off during a dinner out, we would find him sitting with another group happy as can be.  Suddenly, we all had new friends and had all had our meal together, new friends and old friends.  He absolutely treasured family and kept them close to his heart.  Jeffrey sadly lost his beloved mother early in life, so he kept many surrogate Mom around him to handle the difficult decisions like “is this enough lemon”?

FUR BABIES

From the earliest anyone can remember; Jeffrey was in love with dogs.  He had an affinity for Portuguese Water Dogs and was lucky enough to have three in his life.  Diamante, Rio, and Davi were adored.  If was often said that in a house fire, Jeff had better make sure he had his own escape plan to get out, because Jeffrey was getting the dogs first. 

TRAVEL & LOVES

Jeffrey made his way around the word in the company of those he loved.  All in all, having Jeffrey along on a trip was pretty much insurance that fun would be had.  A week’s vacation would require at least a month to pack, Jeffrey clearly anticipating all possible outfit scenarios.  Jeffrey loved so many things that brought a hug smile to his face.  A mini list would include flamingos, tiki bars, sparkles and more sparkles, every kind of lighting, crystal, cocktails, performing, anything Mid Century, convertibles, Hallmark movies, Bossanova music, Christmas, Halloween costumes, getting his photo taken, paddle boarding, beach, Brazil, Hawaii, Jack-in-the Box tacos, Brazilian steak houses, caipirinhas, cooking, palm trees and ……….. of course shopping!

Jeffrey is survived by Jeff Graczyk; his beloved aunt, Vivian Liebnau; his cousins, Christine Benham, Brett, Lindsey and Emily Krewson and Rachel Benham; along with his partner’s family, Linda, Kevin, April, Robert Joe and Makenna Graczyk. The family will always be grateful to his closest friends, Lori Hill-Zhanai, Peggy Lindsley, and Shari Wirick. He was preceded in death by his mother, best friend, and confidant, Sally Barrett Duncan. Also preceding him are father, Onard Duncan; uncle Al Liebnau; beloved cousin, Karen Krewson, and his grandparents.

Jeffrey Laurence Duncan was indeed a man extraordinaire. Never forgotten, an inspiration for how to live a happy life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jeffrey’s name to The North American Rescue Collective .

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