But they could hardly have anticipated a turnout of 150 players and as many avid spectators to remember his football legacy, and to raise vital money for those who work at sea and their families.
The organisers were left awestruck by the generosity of people throughout Argyll in supporting the charity event, both on and off the pitch, with more than £1,000 going to the organisers' chosen charity the Fishermen's Mission.
Duncan, himself a stalwart of Tarbert AFC during his playing career, clocking up thousands of miles on the road in the Scottish AFL for his beloved village side, was honoured by a 15-team, 7-a-side football tournament at Cil Andreis, home park of Tarbert AFC.
The day of football played was by a far-travelled gathering of players, men and women - and watched by a healthy crowd - to compete for the trophy in Duncan's name.
Jonathan Scott, Tarbert team manager and tournament organiser, said: 'It was such a great day. We can't thank everyone enough for their support. It came from across Argyll.
'There are so many examples of such generosity over the weekend.
'For example, a man appeared at the food van during the tournament and paid for a burger and can of juice with £100, insistent that the change should to go to the fundraiser.
'I was amazed to hear that. It's just one example of the tremendous generosity we've received from the community in Tarbert, and throughout Argyll.'
Camertoon, a team comprised of Kintyre players and sporting the red, yellow and green of the West African football team nicknamed The Indomitable Lions, had a Yaoundé to remember themselves, with a 3-0 victory in the final against an Islay-select team.
Jonathan said: 'Congratulations to Camertoon on winning the inaugural tournament, and for their fantastic gesture in dedicating their prize money, which is 25 percent of the overall fund raised, to youth football in Tarbert. That was a really nice touch.
'The runners-up from Islay deserve a special mention; travelling a long way to be here, got to the final, and after a couple of drinks headed back for their evening ferry.
'That shows the special effort people have made to remember Duncan and to be a part of this day.
'It's been such a success that we would like to do it again next year.'
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