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Mike Duncan Mourns Loss of Father-in-Law as
Team Braces for Emotional Season
Bakersfield, CA - " I never met anybody at the track who didn't
like him", stated Mike Duncan, the two-time NASCAR west champ and
mourning son-in-law of Larry Morris. Larry passed away on the
last day of February, 2007, and his passing has become the emotional
bench-mark for the MB Duncan Motor Sports team in 2007.
Remembered as a light-hearted joker, kidder and comedian at the race
track, Larry was also a beacon of community support in his hometown of
Delano, California. Although born in San Diego, Larry's family
moved to Kern County, and Larry soon came to love the farming town of
Delano. Twice voted Delano's "Man of the Year", Larry served on
the Delano city council for many years and was also President of such
interests as the Cinco De Mayo parade and the Youth Foundation.
Larry also was known to ,"... throw down a BBQ at pretty much every
event in town", says his daughter, Jenny Duncan. As Jenny
pondered her father's absence, she concluded that, "Larry will be
sorely missed in a town where he was . . . everywhere!"
While Larry enjoyed fishing, surfing and playing baseball, he came to
love racing. Jenny remembers that, "When we were young, we were
either three-wheeling or going to (Bakersfield track) Mesa Marin.
My dad loved being at the track!" Mike concurs by adding,"Larry
was an upbeat, enthusiastic racing guy, who loved the camaraderie of
the sport. . .he absolutely loved being around the fellas." Larry
is described by members of the MB Duncan Motor Sports team as a real
ally - someone who was always looking out for the team's best
interests. Having been with the team from the beginning of Mike's
racing career, Larry's involvement was the driving force of the deep
friendship between he and Mike. Mike says, " Our bond grew much
deeper at the track, and we became very close because of racing."
Larry's final weeks were filled with family, friends and colleagues at
his side. He spent many days with Mike, chatting about the
upcoming season and what Mike was doing to prepare for a third West
championship. Larry's passing will be commemorated by the team in
specific ways this season, and MB Duncan Motor Sports will soon be
announcing its involvement in the ongoing efforts to find cures for
cancer.
As Mike and Jenny prepare for the days ahead, Mike reminded us all
about the frailties of life: " Hold your family and friends close, and
tell them you love them - nothing else really matters."
Services for Larry Ward Morris will held on Monday, March 5th,
2007. The chapel is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, 2117 9th Ave., Delano, CA. The service will be at 10:00
AM, with a gravesite ceremony to follow at the Delano mortuary.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to: The American Cancer
Society.
You can mail donations to: San Joaquin Bank - Attn: Diana Headrick /
"Relay For Life - Larry Morris" - 1613 Inyo St., Delano, CA 93215.
Mike and Jenny are very thankful for the emails and calls, and if you
would like to send condolences, please email racing@mbduncanmotorsports.com
Source - Vance Palm
MB Duncan Motor Sports
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