Duncan Patrick McDannell

On Thursday, August 23, 2018, Duncan McDannell, loving son and brother, left us. Duncan was born on December 14, 2001 in Phoenix, AZ to Mike McDannell and Linda Morris. Duncan started his junior year at Franklin Police and Fire High School earlier this August. He was an amazingly accomplished teenager; his dedication and passion for what he pursued were unusual for someone so young. Just in this past year alone Duncan volunteered as a math tutor, volunteered with the Youth Tobacco Counter Strike Program through the Arizona Attorney General's office, was Vice President on the Phoenix Teen Council - Longview Center volunteering on Teen Court and other activities. He received a certificate for outstanding achievement in mathematics and science at the Joaquin Bustoz Math-Science Honors Program at Arizona State University. Duncan was immensely sharp and intelligent. He repeatedly received awards for academic achievement, including the accolade of Principle's List at Franklin Police and Fire High School where he lettered in Academics. One of his favorite experiences was attending Arizona State University, a program dedicated to helping students have successful academic careers and prepare for the university experience. Duncan loved staying in the dorms and getting a taste of college life. Whatever he set his mind to, he achieved and constantly impressed those watching his journey. His interests extended beyond academics to a variety of hobbies, all of which he approached with the same passion and dedication as his academic pursuits. Duncan studied the art of Okinawan Karate-Do Shorin Ryu, earning his Yon Kyu (third degree green belt) this past May. He shared his passion for this discipline by assisting in teaching classes for younger kids. The only thing to rival Duncan's intelligence and dedication was the depth of his creativity. He worked with friends to build entire, intricate cities inside the world of Minecraft and other on line worlds. He even shocked his family by becoming one heck of a tap dancer. He was full of curiosity and surprises. In his AP English class this semester, he continued to explore the art of writing, where, once again, the combination of his intelligence and creativity shone through in a level of writing more mature and honest than the average teenager. But then Duncan never was average. Duncan was a amazing soul, one that was unique to this world, a true original. His mind worked in brilliant, creative ways, which poured through in everything he did. His matchless wit and big, goofy smile will be greatly missed by all he touched in his brief and wonderful life. Duncan is survived by his parents Mike McDannell and Linda Morris, siblings Brian McDannell, Christy McDannell, Alexander Morris, Grandmothers, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nephew Nathan Morris and extended family. A celebration of his life will be held at Samaritan, 1505 E. McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ on Saturday September 1st from 12-3pm. https://www.gofundme.com/remembering-duncan