In Memoriam: Allan Duclos
The following announcement was emailed to faculty and staff on Thursday, August 30, from Cheryl Mullins, director of human resources.
It is with sadness that I report that employee Allan Duclos passed away on August 26, 2018 in New Haven. Allan started his career at Middlebury College as a seasonal Ice Rink Attendant for the 1995-96 Hockey season, and has been with the College in that capacity ever since.
Allan passed while amongst friends and while working the farm and fields surrounding the home that he built and so loved. He was born to Robert and Anita Duclos in Middlebury and graduated from Middlebury Union High School. A master craftsman, Allan spent his life creating with his hands and giving endlessly to all of his family and friends. His passion and talent for his trade are exemplified in an untold number of homes and businesses; Allan built and furnished places of character for people he cared about and instilled beauty and love through his craft. Allan worked alongside many crews throughout his life, ultimately maintaining a career for over 13 years with R.K. Miles in Middlebury.
Allan loved the woods, waters, and fields of Vermont - he was an avid angler, hunter, and gardener. He also loved hockey, motorcycles, BBQ, and a bargain deal. His largest passion, however, was giving anything and everything for his sons, family, and friends. Allan is survived by his mother Anita of Middlebury, sons Timothy (Sarah Lang) of Brattleboro, and Brian of Lexington, Virginia, and his siblings, Cairle Ault (Ray) of Proctor, James (Christina Ellison) of Cornwall, Kathleen of Starksboro, Gail Lapierre (Claude) of Shelburne, and sister-in-law Ann McNamara Duclos of New Haven, as well as six nephews and one niece. He was predeceased by his father Robert, his brother David, and his nephew Levi.
“Even though Allan is not physically here his spirit of giving and caring will continue to impact all who knew him”, shared Bill Beaney, former Men’s Ice Hockey Coach and current Golf Coach. “The joy he had in sharing with everyone was contagious. Allan made our world a better place. There won’t be a time I enter the rink that Allan won’t be there.” Bill Mandigo, Women’s Ice Hockey Coach and Golf Coach, recalled that “Alan was a man who never said no to helping someone, and he always had a smile on his face.” “Allan was an integral part in having the best ice rink in the country”, shared Butch Atkins, Ice Rink Co-Manager. “A true friend to everyone he knew and will be missed but yet remembered by all.”
“Allan was a special person and will be missed. He was a friend to everyone who worked and competed in Kenyon Arena. He always greeted you with a smile, his signature laugh, and a hand shake”, recalled Neil Sinclair, Men’s Ice Hockey Coach. “You always felt better after you spoke with Allan. We will miss having him at our games and the support he provided the men’s and women’s hockey teams.” Liza Sacheli, Director of the Mahaney Center for the Arts, shared “Allan was always there to support the hockey community, whether it was working at the Memorial Sports Center, playing with the Monday Knights and the Thursday morning crew, or working in the Zamboni room at the college. Most importantly, though, Allan was a good friend. Generous to a fault, he could usually be found helping out a friend or family member. He also had a great sense of humor and enjoyed joking around in the locker room and on the bench. We’ll miss his chuckle out on the ice.”
In memory of Allan, it is asked that you pass on the same generosity Allan embodied - to take the time to help those around you. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, September 1st from 2-4 p.m. at his home at 1725 South Street (Tioli Dr), New Haven.