An icon of sport, class, and compassion in Galesburg, Carlos Duncan passed away Saturday at the age of 80.
Duncan was a Galesburg native who graduated from Galesburg High School in 1959.
Getting started in boxing at 7, he would become a Golden Gloves winner, and taught and trained boxers for 50 years.
But more than just boxing, Duncan used the sport to teach lessons of life, discipline, respect, and stamina to those he worked with, particularly at the Galesburg Youth Athletic Club.
The 4th floor of the Weinberg Arcade is the GYAC’s home, first started in 1946 by Duncan’s father, Howard “Andy” Duncan, and his brother, Sonny Duncan.
Countless tributes from former students, athletes, and community members have poured in since the news of Duncan’s death broke Saturday.
Duncan battled cancer twice, first in 2008, but remained resolute in mentoring local youth and staying busy.
Duncan served his country for 29 years in the Air Force and was stationed in Holland for almost 20 years, learning Dutch and retaining the ability to speak it for the rest of his life.
You could hardly say there was an age of fighter that Duncan wouldn’t train.
He also started and taught Rock Steady Boxing an exercise program for those fighting Parkinson’s disease.
Duncan told The Register-Mail in 2020 that he hoped he never had to leave coaching.
Days before his passing he appeared on WGIL to promote the 2nd year of “Gloves not Guns”, a 4-week recreational opportunity for youth, complete with speakers. The program is designed to give kids skills and discipline while encouraging them to resist violence.
Funeral arrangements for Duncan have not yet been made public.
