Our friend Winifred Edith (Edie) Duncan, 76 of Granby, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday (January 17, 2012). Born in Queens, NY, in February 1935 to a naval officer’s family, Edie traveled extensively in her early childhood and enjoyed visiting places later in life. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Boston Univ. where she majored in English and Journalism. She continued her studies and received a Master?s in History and then a PhD in journalism from the University of California. She married Bob Duncan and left sunny California for rustic Granby in Connecticut. Edie loved people and animals and worked for many years at Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital using her compassionate nature to comfort people stressed by the sickness of their pets. She was a brilliant, charismatic, passionate person and a most entertaining storyteller.

She was most passionate about dogs, basketball and politics, not necessarily in this order of importance.

As a true sports fan Edie familiarized herself with all aspects of basketball, developing a lifelong friendship with sports announcer Al McGuire. Also, since tender age of 17 she was involved in Republican politics. In Granby she participated in the political life, often assisting as a poll monitor. Meeting President and Nancy Reagan was one of the highlights of her political involvement.

Edie was a respected dog breeder and friend to all animals. She acquired her first Weimaraner in college, which started her lifelong passion for the breed. She created Cedar Hills Kennels, which for many years produced versatile and sound Weimaraners with great temperament. For many of us in the Weimaraner Community she was the one who started our enthusiasm for the breed, mostly when we got our first Weimaraner from her kennel. She became a mentor who was able to recall great “Greys” form the past. In her stories they lived again instead of just becoming for the rest of us  a name with titles, a legend turned into a page in the book. Edie’s life was filled for 40+ years with raising, breeding and placing champion Weimaraners into loving homes. She was one of the first women ever to serve on the Weimaraner Club of America?s Board of Directors. She served many years on the board of the Farmington Valley Dog Club and was active in the Yankee Weimaraner Club, the Nutmeg Weimaraner Club and the Pointer Associates of New England. Edie loved sporting breeds for their great versatility and intelligence.

Edie?’s passion for Weimaraners was shared with a dear friend, Donna. Together they toured New England participating in dog shows and nurtured their affinity for arts and crafts by patronizing local artisans and craft fairs.

Edie touched so many lives; it was as much an honor as joy to know her. She was an amazing lady; she always took care of others before herself. For Edie’?s closest family and friends there will be an eternal void in their hearts.