In Memoriam: Stephen Duck

I wanted you to know that my daughter Jennifer‘s partner, Stephen, passed away after a long fight against the progression of his ALS. I thought you’d find it interesting to read about his life. Please join me in keeping Jennifer in your thoughts. I hope she has the strength to continue this journey they began together.

Stephen  1968-2025

Stephen Duck, 57, passed away at home in Roslindale, MA surrounded by family on April 22, 2025, after courageous battle with ALS. Stephen leaves his life partner, Jennifer Gillan, his children, Atticus and Indigo Duck, their mother Jennifer Melton, his sister, Shawntell McKillop, and his nieces, Meghan and Eve.

Stephen was the consummate maker: of architectural plans, scale models, gouache art, Lego sets, blueprints, finished carpentry, walled gardens, and excellent scrambled eggs. From the right YouTube video, book or magazine, he could learn to make or fix just about anything. He believed in always acquiring knowledge and sharing it with others.

He earned an MA degree in architecture from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and worked in residential design and construction. While he was pursuing his BA in architecture at University of Texas, Arlington, he discovered rugby and was proud to qualify for the Nationals with his Arlington Mavericks Rugby club teammates in 1995. He grew up in Dallas, Texas and was a 1986 graduate of Duncanville High School, where he excelled at high school football and competed at the Texas State Championships in track.

Stephen was a proud Eagle Scout and took seriously the imperative to always be prepared and help people. After moving to Roslindale, MA in 2002, he quickly made an impact on the community and was recognized by Mayor Menino for his work with the West Village Neighborhood Watch. For as long as he could, he continued to work on a house he meticulously rebuilt over many years and was grateful to everyone who stepped in to complete things even when he could only advise from his power wheelchair.

Stephen will be greatly missed not only for his architectural craftsmanship and readiness to lend a hand, but also for his sense of humor and camaraderie. Before ALS took it from him, his big booming laugh would ring through the neighborhood where he shared many wonderful times with his family and neighbors. He was the quintessential caretaker, priding himself on being always at the ready to help. He would offer his expertise, troubleshoot a house problem, or tend to the yard or the snow, all while sharing his stories and philosophical views.

Stephen made friends easily and for the long term. In Texas, Massachusetts, and beyond, he was fortunate to have many he thought of as his extended family, including fellow rugby player Dan Brush who helped him build a wheelchair entrance at the beginning of his ALS journey and was with him on his final day.

When he was diagnosed with ALS, his friends, old and new, showed up for him. People provided regular food deliveries, help around the house and garden, and regularly stopped by to watch football, shovel snow, show off the latest video game, or just to chat.

Stephen was immensely proud of his children, Atticus and Indigo, and fiercely dedicated to his beloved sister Shawn with whom he had navigated the early loss of their mother, Cheryce Bates Davault, and the losses of their older brother Wes and his wife Kelley. He loved his life partner Jennifer and was grateful for her dedicated caretaking during his battle with rapidly progressing ALS. 

Source: ccals.org/in_memory_of/stephen-duck/