Thursday, October 1, 2026
Duncan Muir MacQuarrie passed away peacefully on Oct. 28, 2025, in Olympia, Washington, at the age of 86. He was a dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and colleague. He was passionate about his profession as an educator, and had wide-ranging interests, including nature, traveling, music, theatre, history, photography, fly fishing, hiking, birding, running, and sports. Above all, Duncan loved his family and friends, and we all loved him back.
Duncan graduated from Garfield High School in Seattle and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Central Washington University and his Doctorate in Educational Research from the University of Illinois. He joined the U.S. Navy as a young man, serving two years on active duty as an aviation electrician during the Berlin wall and Cuban missile crises, and another 18 years in the Reserves.
Duncan returned to his alma mater, Central Washington University, as a professor of educational research and psychology, serving as University Faculty Senate president for two years. He also worked at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, helping to launch the state assessment program, and was director of assessment for several years.
Duncan married his college sweetheart, Rosemary Lemmon, and together they had two bright and adventuresome children, Scott and Tina. Although they parted when Scott and Tina were young adults, Duncan and Rosemary maintained ties of friendship throughout their lifetime, enjoying family events together with their kids and grandkids. He shared his enthusiasm for being out in nature with his family, hiking, cross-country skiing and fishing, as well as enjoyment of photography.
Ten years later, Duncan met Diana Kamminga. They married in August 1994 and together they shared 31 joyful years together. Duncan welcomed Di’s young adult children, Caitlyn and Matthew Kamminga, as an integral part of his family. Duncan and Di enjoyed gathering with their many family members and friends, as well as attending music and theatre, hiking, and traveling. When they married, Duncan joined Di’s church and, in their retirement, they became active in a variety of volunteer activities through their church and in the community having to do with causes close to their hearts: education, children, nature, and social justice.
Duncan is survived by his loving wife, Di; his former wife, Rosemary; children Scott (Leah), Tina, Caitlyn (Aidan) and Matt (Suzette); and his cherished grandchildren, Danielle (Marc), Alex, Angus, Adair (Ivana), Devon, Logan, Rachael, Tyler, Ryan, Ariana, Alexis, Arika, and Lila; and his five beautiful great-granddaughters, Rayanne, Piper, Bishop, Ailie and Lakelynn.
Those who knew Duncan will remember his beautiful smile, quick wit, big heart, and generous spirit. In his memory, Duncan would love nothing more than for his family and friends to take someone to lunch, go on a hike, take in a concert, or enjoy a glass of fine Scotch whiskey with a loved one while laughing and telling stories.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Dec. 20, 2025, at 1 p.m., at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1601 North Street SE, Olympia, WA 98501.
