DUNCAN BALDIE

1951 ~ DUNCAN BALDIE ~ 2026

Duncan Baldie was born in Epsom, Surrey, England on August 22, 1951, the first child of William and Evelyn Baldie. Both of his parents were nurses who met while training near Epsom, and from the very beginning Duncan showed signs of the independent, adventurous spirit that would define his life. From the moment he learned to walk, Duncan was determined to explore. Known for opening the garden gate and setting off on his own adventures, he was more than once escorted home by neighbours—and on one memorable occasion, by a police officer. After that incident, nursery school was deemed necessary to curb his wanderings.Even as a child, Duncan showed a rare connection with animals. Family lore includes a fearsome feral cat that no one dared approach—except Duncan, who could tug its fur and tail without consequence.Though never academically inclined, Duncan’s intelligence revealed itself outdoors. Weekends were spent cycling the countryside and fishing rivers and lakes, where he quickly mastered the art of catching large pike and other impressive fish. He left school at the earliest opportunity and began working on a chicken farm before joining the British Army as an apprentice stores clerk. He later qualified as a Gunner with the Royal Artillery, serving with the 22nd Light Air Defence Regiment in Wales, a role that earned him the lifelong nickname “Gunner.” His service included duties at the Investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle. Duncan later transferred to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, serving in Germany with the British Army of the Rhine before being posted to Alberta. It was there that he met Gwenda, to whom he was devoted for the rest of his life. An exceptional marksman, Duncan earned a place on shooting teams wherever he was stationed. His lifelong passion for hunting and fishing culminated in November 1982 when he harvested the No. 1 ATDR Mule Deer, achieving an outstanding score. Fishing remained his greatest joy. Known within the family for landing the biggest catch, Duncan generously shared his hard-earned knowledge and techniques. He was equally skilled on rivers and lakes alike and was, by any measure, a master angler. He was also fondly remembered for his Scottish thrift—possessing an uncanny eye for a bargain and an inability to pass a garage sale without stopping. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. A graveside service will take place at the Foremost Cemetery, Foremost, AB on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 1:30 pm with Pastor Shane Hein officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Duncan’s memory can be made to the S.P.C.A, 55 Southwest Dr. SW, Medicine Hat, AB or to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre c/o Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation, 666 – 5^th Street SW, Medicine Hat, AB. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Duncan Baldie. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to

SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL
CHAPEL CREMATORIUM &
RECEPTION CENTRE,
“The Chapel in the Park
#1 Dunmore Road SE,
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5
(403)528-2599
www.saamis.com
inquiry@saamis.com
Locally owned and directed
CGR Holdings Ltd.