Sara Duncan Obituary

Sara "Sally" Duncan, 80, passed away on November 18, 2025. She spent most of her life in her beloved Colorado.

A graduate of East High School in Denver, Denison University, and the University of Denver College of Law, Sara had an illustrious career as a water lawyer, both in private and public practice. She served as a La Plata County Commissioner from 1981-1985. As a single mom, she taught law school at night while working full-time. She helped secure the water rights for Denver International Airport. She was the Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator for the Denver Water Department.

Sara was a trailblazer. In 1991, she was the first woman appointed to the board of the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority, a position she held for sixteen years. She was the first woman to serve as president of the Colorado Water Congress.

Sara delighted in her many friendships. She loved exploring and passed along a love of travel to her children. She was a lifelong learner, an avid reader, and a patron of Colorado artists. She was a devoted fan of the Denver Broncos, the Colorado Rockies, and the CU Buffaloes football team. Sara was a gifted writer and storyteller, knew how to tell a good joke, and reveled in socializing. She was a lot of fun!

She is survived by her children: Molly Duncan (Brian Johnson) of Greensboro, NC and Kenneth Duncan of Durango, CO; her siblings: Susan Kaufman (Jerry), Sandra Morrison, and Sam Morrison; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her cherished husband, Richard Leonard, and many adored family dogs.

A celebration of life will take place in the spring.