Bob Duncan - Face to Face - Chat @ 18.45 meet @19.00

Bob Duncan - Face to Face - Chat @ 18.45 meet @19.00

Face to Face of Bob Duncan

New members to the Club are traditionally invited to give a short, informal talk (a Face to Face) in which they outline some aspects of their background, and share some of their experiences. On Thursday, it was the turn of Bob Duncan, who transferred from the Rotary Club of Ellen and was already well known to Club members.

Bob was born in Aberdeen; unfortunately, shortly after his birth his mother died, and he was then brought up by relatives.  Following initial schooling in Stonehaven and Aberdeen, he went to Robert Gordon’s College.  After leaving school, and having an interest in science, he sought and gained employment in a research laboratory in Stoneywood Paper Mills where he was involved in the chemistry of paper-making, including paper used for banknotes.  However, he decided to continue his scientific education, taking further qualifications in chemistry.  Encouraged by his academic success, he obtained a place in medical school where he studied chemical pathology over a seven-year period. His studies included the analysis of blood and other bodily fluids in the context of haematology, obstetrics and gynaecology.  Given Bob’s obvious interest and expertise, he was asked to explore the emerging science of IVF to ensure that Aberdeen would be one of the leading exponents of that science.  Having examined developments in this field in Cardiff and London, Bob set up an IVF laboratory in Aberdeen.  In the initial stages, the success rate was low: it took just over a year and a half for the first baby to be delivered.  Associated with the laboratory was the establishment of a sperm bank – Bob quipped that he had become a bank manager. Bob’s scientific investigations then broadened to include the examination of tumour markers in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Bob was appointed a member of the local Health Board where he served for two years.  As the saying goes, if you want a job done, look for a busy man.  In the following years, Bob served as a Councillor in Ellen Council, with responsibility for planning and development at a time when oil exploration in North Sea was creating intense development in the area. He also served as a JP and established both a Junior Chamber in Ellen, and the Rotary Club of Ellen.

Bob has exemplified the Rotary pledge of “Service before Self” by helping to set up a Rotary-funded school in Kenya, and supporting a charitable foundation in Peru, with further charitable efforts in France.  

Bob has been happily married to Marjorie for 54 years and has two children.

President David expressed the thanks of the Club for such a fascinating Face to Face, illustrating Bob’s wide and varied career.