Duncan Cory MacLaren

Duncan Cory MacLaren passed away peacefully on July 25, 2023 in Grand Rapids, MI where he resided with his wife, of 32 years, Beverly (Goetz) MacLaren. His family was by his side.

Duncan was born on October 1, 1967, in Detroit, MI, to Duncan Steve and Jennifer (Ratliff) MacLaren. At the age of six, Duncan moved with his family to Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Growing up in the Upper Peninsula, his family instilled in him a love for the great outdoors. Hunting and fishing became lifelong hobbies. During his childhood and high school years Duncan played many sports including baseball, track, barrel racing, football, and hockey. He graduated from Sault High School class of 1986 and immediately entered the U.S. Army National Guard.

Although most of his family and friends knew him as Cory, he was very proud of his family traditions and being the ninth generation to hold the Duncan MacLaren name.   

Duncan married Beverly (Goetz) MacLaren in 1990, in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Together they raised their children, Megan Lyn MacLaren, of Grand Rapids, MI, Matthew Duncan MacLaren of Sault Ste Marie, MI, and Brenden Cory MacLaren of Big Rapids, MI. He was the most loving husband and father, always prioritizing quality time with his wife and children. He inspired living life honorably and lead with the utmost level of patience and calmness. He valued exposing his family to new experiences and adventures. His family was his greatest accomplishment.

Duncan started with the State of Michigan, Department of Corrections in 1989 where he enjoyed a rewarding 30-year career. Promoting through the ranks, Duncan became Warden in 2011 at the age of 44. At the time, he was the youngest ever to hold the Warden position in the State of Michigan. He joined the Emergency Response Team (ERT) in 1996 as a Team Leader and then became the ERT Commander until he was promoted to Deputy Warden. In 2017, Duncan was appointed by the Michigan Governor’s Office to serve on the Correctional Officers’ Training Council. He retired from the State of Michigan in 2019.

Following his retirement, Duncan moved with his wife to Grand Rapids, MI to start a new adventure. Being the people person that he was, Duncan accepted an Operations Manager position in the private sector. This new phase for Duncan and his wife brought them so much joy. It also made it easier to watch Bulldog Hockey, where Dunc never missed a game.

Hockey was a big part of Duncan’s life from his youth as a player, to coaching youth hockey and most importantly, being the ultimate hockey Dad. In lieu of flowers, the family would donations made to the Ferris State Hockey Blueline Club

Duncan is survived by his wife, Beverly MacLaren; daughter, Megan MacLaren; son, Matthew MacLaren; son, Brenden (Kennedy) MacLaren; mother, Jennifer MacLaren; sister, Stacy (Jerry) Fitzpatrick; father and mother in-law, David (Beverly) Goetz; sister and brother in-law, Lynde (Brent) Blair and his nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Duncan Steve MacLaren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023, from 2:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. at Tanglewood Marsh Golf Course, located at 2600 W 16th Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Remarks will be shared at 4:00p.m.

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