Riley Novell Duncan passed away on Dec. 31, 2008, seven months after the death of his wife. Novell was born and raised in Modesto to Riley & Christina Duncan.

He graduated from Modesto High in 1961. He married Joanne Wheeler in 1962. Novell worked at the South San Joaquin Irrigation District in Manteca for 25 years.

They had 2 daughters, Joell and Holly. They moved back to Modesto in 1986. After Novell’s stroke in 1987 he became involved in the YMCA and stroke resource classes. He was always ready to tell a joke and to hear a new one. “Papa’’ liked to go to the bowling alley to watch everyone bowl.

He is survived by his children Holly & David Rich, Joell & Doug Wagner, grandchildren Brooke & Hope Rich, Jonathan & Devan Wagner; sister Brenda Love, many in-laws, cousins, nephews, nieces, aunts and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at a nephew’s home at 1 p.m on Jan. 24 at 1260 Saint Francis Ave. in Modesto