A. Duncan Whitaker, Esq.

A. Duncan Whitaker, Esq., 92, of McLean, Virginia passed away peacefully at home in June, 2024 surrounded by family. Born on January 3, 1932 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was the beloved husband of Adelaide B. Whitaker and cherished son of the late Rhoda Irene (Duncan) and Robert Lynn Whitaker. Duncan was a man of great intellect and principle who graced this earth for nearly a century, leaving a legacy of love for his family and friends.

Duncan leaves behind his cherished children Brent Whitaker and his wife Rebecca, Alene Fisk and her husband Michael, Karen Doebel and her husband Leo; his dear grandchildren, Marinda Whitaker, Brianna Gorretta and her husband Jake, Duncan Whitaker and his wife Hannah, Steven Johnson, Kyle Johnson, Reed Fisk, Kate Fisk, Monica Doebel and her wife Arrianna, and Mary Beth Doebel; and his precious great grand-daughter Mia. His family will forever treasure the kindness, love, and wisdom he imparted. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in passing by his dear sister and brother-in-law, Annabel and Edward Eschenroeder. He is also survived by four cherished nephews and their extended families.

An outstanding student, he achieved the highest academic accolades throughout his education, graduating from Yale University in 1954 and University of Michigan Law School in 1957. Duncan devoted over forty years to a storied career in law, specializing in antitrust matters, and serving the principles of justice with distinction through his arguments before the United States Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. His professional affiliations were numerous and included memberships in the American Bar Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and the Metropolitan Club of Washington D.C..

After retiring from practicing law, Duncan wanted to find a significant interest to pursue and decided to become a photographer. Having had no classes or formal training in drawing, design or the visual arts, he immersed himself in fine art photography books and attended numerous classes and workshops to learn as much as possible about his new passion. He subsequently spent many years taking photographs of his favorite spots in Maine, Maryland, and Washington D.C., culminating in solo exhibitions and juried photography shows. An important part of his second career was his association with the Waverly Street Gallery in Bethesda, MD.

Duncan was an exemplary husband and father. Always humble, selfless, generous, loving, and kind, he never talked about his successful law career or personal accomplishments. He was a great listener who loved his family with all of his heart. He especially enjoyed dinners with family and friends at his home on the shore in Maine.

As a tribute to Duncan’s lifelong dedication to the cause of justice and for the pro bono work he did for those who could not afford legal representation, memorial contributions may be sent to the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL  36104.

To honor Duncan’s wishes, there will not be a public memorial service. We ask that you please celebrate Duncan in your own way. May his memory be an eternal blessing to his family and friends.