Duncan A. MacEachern

Duncan Alexander MacEachern, Jr., teacher and Scotsman, died January 22 at the Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston following a lengthy battle with lymphoma. He was 58 years of age.Born in Boston, MA on November 16, 1950, he was the son of Duncan A. and Evelyn (MacDonald) MacEachern, Sr. He attended Walpole, MA schools, was a graduate of Walpole High School and Fitchburg (MA) State College.Immediately after graduating in 1972, Duncan took a position as an Industry and Technology teacher at the Sanford Junior High School, a position he has held ever since. His students were taught to appreciate a job well done by paying attention to detail and to craftsmanship. He took pride in the fact that his students learned practical and useful skills in his class. Duncan also taught woodworking classes for Sanford Adult Ed for many years.Whenever his children participated in sports, Duncan would learn the rules of the game and oftentimes coached the teams. He coached youth baseball, soccer and basketball. Some years ago, he coached the 7th grade baseball team at the junior high, and even got his certificate to drive the team bus to games.He put his construction knowledge to use at home as he designed and built the family home in Acton. He loved being at home, always had some sort of project underway, enjoyed vegetable gardening and home brewing.Duncan, by way of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia was a true Scotsman. He was very proud of his heritage and loved the traditions and sounds of Scotland. He, his family and friends annually went to the Scottish Highland Games at Thomas Point, camping out there for the weekend. He joined the Dunlap Highland Band eventually becoming their Quartermaster. A teaching band, they played all over the state and Duncan was especially proud to have marched with them in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City in 2002, just months after the 9/11 attacks. The trip included a moving visit to Ground Zero.Survivors include his wife of almost 32 years, Ann (Packard) MacEachern of Acton, a son Ewen Alexander MacEachern and Amy Remillard of Jamaica Plain, MA, a son Angus Albert MacEachern and his fiance Joan Almonte of Sanford, a daughter, Gwendolyn Ruth MacEachern of Acton, a brother David MacEachern and his wife Valentine of Plainville, MA, a brother Donald MacEachern and his wife Carol of No. Attleboro, MA, a brother Duane MacEachern and his wife Pamm of Attleboro, MA, a sister Mary Faulkner and her husband John of Plainville, MA, and several nieces and nephews.Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday from 4 to 7 PM at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. A funeral service will he held on Tuesday at 3:00 PM at the Curtis Lake Christian Church in Sanford. Burial will be in the spring in Hope Cemetery in Kennebunk. In celebration of Duncan's love of Scotland, please avoid black and wear your tartans and plaids to the service.The family would like to express their appreciation to the staffs of the Cancer Care Center of York County, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Brigham & Women's Hospital for the exceptional care and comfort shown to Duncan and to them during his illness.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider MPBN Radio, 65 Texas Avenue, Bangor, ME 04401 or at mpbn.net or the Dunlap Highland Band Educational Fund, c/o Ann MacEachern, P. O. Box 80, Acton, ME 04001. Condolences may be expressed at the Condolences tab at left. The Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.