SWANVILLE — Duncan Allan Brown, 69, died Thursday, September 24, 2026, at home on his beloved Swan Lake. He was born February 28, 1957, in Belfast, son of the late Harold Earl Brown and Robina Alice Mollison Brown, and grandson of Wilbert and Annie Brown and Allan and Imogene Mollison.

 

Duncan graduated from Belfast Area High School, Class of 1975 and continued his education at University of Maine Machias and WCVTI, Calais, where he studied Construction Management and Business. After finishing school, Duncan served alongside his father, Harold, and Uncle Howard with the Belfast Fire Department volunteer fire service. He later owned Dabro Management in Belfast. Duncan worked in the family business, Mollison’s, until it was sold to EBS, where he remained working as manager for a few years, before going to work for Viking Lumber, where he remained until his retirement.

 

Duncan was active as a Master Mason and Anah Shriner. He was a member of Belfast Lodge #24 A.F. & A.M. and Scottish Rite Valley of Rockland. He was a proud Anah Shrine Aide and a member of the Convertible Unit, the Royal Order of the Jesters and the Widow Sons. Duncan was an enthusiastic member of these organizations and made lifelong friends he considered brothers.

 

Duncan was a big presence and liked to do things in a big way, always there to help a friend and lend a hand. He was full of advice, knowledgeable about everything, and wasn't shy about saying so. For years, he was an avid Harley rider, enjoying numerous trips with friends, Bike Week, and beyond.

  

Duncan loved Swan Lake, often joking he was conceived on the lake. His Swan Vegas friends, neighbors, and family were a big part of his life. He relished jumping on his jet ski, sometimes dressed as Santa, to go round the lake and visit friends. His favorite Spring responsibility was "keeping track of when the ice went out”, and a favorite Winter responsibility was jumping on a snowmobile to monitor the ice shacks around the lake, especially Chris Knight’s. He was happiest enjoying a gin and tonic, telling an off-color joke, or saving a dollar. Duncan knew how to have fun, be a loyal friend and will be missed by those who know him. 

 

Duncan believed, “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body; but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proclaiming; Wow! What a Ride!!!” He certainly achieved his goal.

 

Duncan is survived by his loving wife, Melissa Fairfield, her children, Chelsea Howard and Shawn, Aaron Morrison and Ann, and Emily Young and Logan, two special grandchildren, Ali and Adam.

 

Duncan embraced his role as grandfather, playing many games of Jenga and Battleship with Adam and being an eager taster of Ali's kitchen creations. His constant companion, beloved Dachshund, Darby Nugget Brown, will miss him dearly. Darby was Duncan's "little buddy", for the past three years, and they shared a special bond. 

 

He is survived by sister Juanita “Chipper” Brown Berry and companion, Chris Johnson, niece Leana E. Berry, grandniece Rebecca, grandnephew Anthony; his aunt, Imogene McWilliams, and cousins Joan Dolan, David Brown and Sheila Palczynski. 

 

He also leaves behind former wife and dear friend, Susie Ginn Brown; special friends and neighbors, Scott and Andrea St. Amand; godson, Ethan Seeley and goddaughter, Maddy Seeley Kennon; and many close friends he considered as family.

 

In addition to his parents and grandparents, Duncan was predeceased by his brother, Logan Ian Brown; and best friend, Randy Banks.

 

There will be a Celebration of Life on Friday, October 9, at the Waldo County Shrine Club in Belfast, Maine. Masonic and Shriner Services will begin at 3 p.m., followed by a time for social gathering and refreshments until 6 p.m.

 

Duncan will privately be laid to rest in Grove Cemetery, Belfast.

 

In lieu of cards and flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Waldo County Shrine Club Charitable Trust, PO Box 285, Belfast, Maine 04915.

 

Memories and condolences may be shared with Duncan’s family on his tribute wall at ripostafh.com.