Capt. Bill Edward Duyck
October 8, 1934 ~ April 3, 2019
Born in:
Asheville, NC
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailBill Edward Duyck, 84, passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2019.
An Asheville native, Capt. Duyck was a son of the late Edward Duyck and Bessie Lee Jones Duyck Buckner. He was a Navy veteran and served with the Asheville Fire Department before retiring as Captain. During retirement, he enjoyed photography, especially nature and bird pictures, many of which were featured on the BBC, with whom he regularly provided photographs. He also volunteered with the NC Forest Service.
He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, and enjoyed singing in the choir.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ruth Ruby Duyck; daughter Cindy Thornton (Lennie); son, Fred Duyck (Christy); four grandchildren, Clint Swanger (Stephanie), Fred E. Duyck (Sara Beth Duyck), Meredith Sessoms (Patrick), and Will Thornton; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
A memorial service with Military Honors will be conducted by Chaplain Butch Stillwell and Dr. Buddy Corbin on Sunday, April 7, at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church. Honors will be provided by the Asheville Fire Department. The family will receive friends following the service.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of StoneCreek Health and Rehab and to CarePartners Hospice.
Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist General Fund, 531 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family.
Services
Memorial Service: April 7, 2019 2:00 pm
Calvary Baptist Church, West Asheville
531 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806
253-7301
Visitation: April 7, 2019 2:45 pm
Calvary Baptist Church, West Asheville
531 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806
253-7301
It was such a pleasure to know Bill and his family. I had the honor of caring for Bill but he filled a special place in my heart as a surrogate grandfather. I love you all and I’m thankful to have known Bill’s sense of humor and grit. You all are in my heart and prayers.
Fred, Christy and family, Please accept my deepest sympathies during the loss of your loved one. I have heard so many wonderful stories, so I know your memories will be precious to you in the days and years ahead. I am so sorry for the hurt you are feeling. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Thinking of you & yours ❤️🕊🙏
Marie Ruth and family, we have wonderful memories of the times spent with Bill hearing his stories, enjoying his great sense of humor and taking in the beauty of the pictures captured through the lens of the camera. What an amazing gift he had and we will continue to be able to enjoy the fruits thereof!! May your memories provide comfort and God give you peace at this time. We love you very much. David, Denise, Chelsea, and Sarah Simon
We express our sympathy to the Duyck family. We are grateful for his service as a fireman. He was one of my favorite patients. He had a great personality and a sense of humor. We have several of his amazing photographs to remember him by. He will be missed. Sincerely Barry and Barbara Pate
Dear Mary Ruth & family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. It is so hard to give up your loved ones as we know from having to give up both parents, Elmer & Ila. Cherish your memories. Know Bill is in a much better place now & free of all his earthly problems/discomfort. Again our condolences to all of you.
I will never forget how kind he was to all the kids including myself that would spend endless hours playing baseball, football and listening to music at his home and neighborhood.
Thank you for all the wonderful memories.
I fondly remember Bill from his participation in the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage sponsored by the UNCA Biology
Department. Beginning in 1990 and continuing through 1997 he led many field trips and presented several slide-illustrated evening talks. As the Pilgrimage coordinator I remember Bill as one who always was very much appreciated and enjoyed by the audience and trip participants. It was a pleasure to have known him.
I’m so sorry I was not able to be with my other brothers and sisters to show my respect for Bill. I met him shortly after joining the fire department in 1977. He was a mentor and friend from the first meeting. I admired his knowledge of the fire service and envied his talent with hiss camera. I felt privileged when he sought me out to speak to when our paths crossed after we both were retired. Most always thank us(firefighters) for our service but I thank you and your family for sharing Bill with us, his comrades.
Glenn Holbert
Dear Mary Ruth and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Duyck was an amazing man. I will always remember him st Calvary as I was growing up. He was such a big man in my eyes, not just physically but spiritually and mentally. He was so very talented in his photography. We have a beautiful photo of his hanging in our home and cherish it. Mary Ruth, you were my mama’s best friend and were always there for me and for her. I am sorry for your loss and sorry that I could not be in town to be there for you as well. Prayers and love to you!!!!