Duncan Charles Mackenzie Hogan passed unexpectedly at his parents’ home, Saturday 7 September, at the age of 26.
Duncan is survived by his loving parents, Greg and Ila, his siblings Carl and Paul (Maggie Currie), his niece Sydney and his nephew Angus. He will be sorely missed by his many cousins, his aunts and uncles Derek and Janet Longworth, Dr. Bill and Diane Cornish, Dr. Bruce and Bev Cornish, Ewen Cornish and Great Aunt Marian as well as his many, many friends.
Duncan is predeceased by his grandparents Ken and Flora Hogan, Dr. Charles and Mary Cornish and by his uncle Charlie.
Duncan is a graduate of Bell High School and Algonquin College where he studied Television and Pod Broadcasting. During his student years he worked at a variety of jobs that included sales manager of a paint store, a staff job in a recording practice space and restaurant work.
Duncan was a voracious reader. He had an amazing range of detailed knowledge on a disparate number of subjects and issues. He was especially interested in history, Egyptology, the natural sciences, eastern mysticism and political developments in Canada and abroad. He was also an aspiring filmmaker, and, at the time of his death, he was in the process of moving to Toronto to begin a career in film and television work.
Duncan had a great sense of humour and he was a talented mimic. He spent much of his leisure time writing and leaves behind a number of draft manuscripts that include a book on the depiction of Goth culture in films, poetry and several works of alternative fiction.
A big kid himself, Duncan loved children, especially his younger cousins so Halloween was a special time for him. He took particular delight in fashioning elaborate costumes to wear when handing out goodies to the little monsters.
He also loved animals, in particular his little cat, Lavender. On his own initiative, at the age of 9, Duncan embarked on a one-boy fund raising campaign for the Ottawa Humane Society.
Friends are invited to visit the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, on Wednesday, September 18 from 7 to 9 pm and on Thursday, September 19 from noon to 1 pm. A celebration honouring Duncan's life will begin at 1 pm. followed by a reception and a private family Burial Service. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Ottawa Humane Society would be appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Philippa Currie
Cathi Knowles
Duncan was my neighbour and we smoked outside together quite a lot and got to know each other over the summer. I’m heartbroken to hear this news, and my sincerest sympathies go to his parents and family. He always spoke very highly of his family, especially his parents whom he said that he loved them very much. I am truly very sorry for your loss. Duncan was young and charismatic, and I won’t forget him. My heart goes out to you, and I will keep you, his family, in my thoughts and prayers. I will upload a photo I took of him a couple months ago when he was going out to a concert.
Mariana Franco
I just found out about Duncan’s passing. I was his neighbor and I only ever had a few conversations with him - but I thought he was the coolest. Every time I saw him in the building I would be mesmerized by his looks and sense of style. 10/10 times I’d see him, my boyfriend and I would look at each other after and say: that guy is so nice and cool. Even barely even knowing him- that was the impression he would leave us with. He would always greet me and my boyfriend with a warm smile. I wish we spoke more. We had a conversation where I was telling him that other neighbors were complaining about my dog barking, and he was so down to earth and sweet about the whole thing, saying that it’s just a little dog, and that people should be more understanding. That he’d pop his headphones in and listen to music, he wouldn’t mind it, and that others should do the same. I even introduced him to my puppy because I was like, this is such a nice and patient man, and he understands you. My boyfriend and him watched the solar eclipse together, and would talk sometimes as well. I didn’t know he was an aspiring film maker. I’m an actress and I wish I had gotten to know him better. We could’ve probably done some films together… My sentiments go to his family. Please know the impact that Duncan had, even on strangers. He was a kind soul, one that you could feel it’s warmth even in brief moments. I truly wish I had spoken to him more. I feel like we could’ve been friends. I’m deeply saddened to hear about his passing. From your fellow artist, musician, book worm, fashion enthusiast and neighbor - Mariana
Tosha
Ila, Greg and Family;
I just learned of Duncan’s passing and I wanted to send my deepest sympathies. He is a student whom I’ve never forgotten! His pet onion that used to adorn his desk and his steadfast determination to get ‘math’ well into high school when I would occasionally hear from him. I am so sorry for your loss.
Tosha
I was so sad to hear of your loss. I met Duncan a few times over the years and remember his friendly, pleasant manner. You are in my thoughts at this difficult time.