Barry Lee Duncan

Barry Lee Duncan, 66, died suddenly at home from natural causes on March 9, 2021. He was a musician extraordinaire and a pillar of the Amador County business community. Barry was born in Lawrence, KS, and his family moved to Pleasant Hill, CA, when Barry was in high school. At Pleasant Hill High, Barry played saxophone, flute, and clarinet and began playing professionally in jazz bands. He attended Cal State Irvine, then, after taking every music class available, he returned to the Bay Area where a friend invited him to learn printing in the Diablo Valley College print shop. Barry married his wife, Sue, in 1984 and they moved to Amador County in 1989 when they purchased Ashley Offset, which they renamed Motherlode Printing. For 32 years, together they served the community with creative, professional printing. Barry was a Master Mason with the Volcano Consolidated Lodge in Volcano and was well respected by his Brothers. He was active with the Argonaut Breakfast Lions and Amador Arts Council. Barry was more than generous, donating time and materials to innumerable local organizations. Barry on the sax was a draw for any band’s performance, and he was the driving creative force for several jazz bands. From the wife of a fellow musician: “Barry created the space and expertise that uplifted and expanded the capabilities of the musicians he played with.” His musical presence is already sorely missed. Barry built an amazing model train world in his home’s basement, he was a congenial opponent on any bocci court and enjoyed a game of cards with Sue every evening over a gin and tonic. He leaves behind his loving wife, Sue; brother Jeff Duncan (Laura); nephews Matthew (Annie) and Bradley; nieces Lindsay (Jon) and Rachel; and hundreds of friends. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life, Thursday, June 17, 2021, 10:00 AM at Teresa's Place, 1235 Jackson Gate Rd., Jackson, CA 95642. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knight Foundry Alliance, PO Box 1873, Sutter Creek, CA 95685 or the Amador County Historical Society, PO Box 761, Jackson, CA 95642.