It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Duncan W. Oldham on October 4, 2026 in Atlantic City, NJ. Duncan was taping a Phish show which was his life's passion.
In keeping with Duncan's wishes his burial will be held privately.
A Celebration of his Life is being planned for summer 2027 and it will be filled with love, kindness and of course great music. As his fellow family of tapers, and now my brothers, Have stated … "The Legend lives on! "
The following is a poem written by his dear friend Ray Ackerman.
Too Soon Gone
he was taken
without warning-
and for the friends beside him
in those final moments,
the world broke open.
may time be gentle with them,
may the memories become
less a wound
and more a place to rest
he was a man
whose heart was larger
than his stature,
who left something of himself
in everyone he touched.
and then there was music-
he did not simply listen.
he caught melodies
and shared them with all,
as if each song
could hold a moment still-
a night,
a laugh,
a face,
a feeling
that might otherwise disappear.
he knew how a melody
could become a memory
before the moment was even gone.
and now those same songs
carry him back to us.
his breath seems to linger
between the notes,
his soul caught
in the spaces between sounds,
each familiar melody
opening a door
to something we thought
we had lost.
the songs remain.
the memories remain.
but the one who gathered them
so effortlessly
is too soon gone.
and perhaps that is the gift
he left behind-
a life threaded through music,
a thousand memories
waiting inside a song. the music plays.
we remember.
and for a moment,
he is here again.
My sincerest gratitude to my dear friends. Without you I wouldn't have survived. Michael, Meg, Michelle, Dianne, Eric, Chase and Kat. The outpouring of love truly made my soul shine. It's better than sunshine. It's better than moonshine. Damn sure better than rain.
Remembering others from the community
Duncan for every heart and soul you have touched this is for you! Fly high our Legend. I/we cannot see you, but we will forever feel you in our hearts.
Fare you well, fare you well
I/We love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock our souls
We were truly blessed for our time with you. All our love Always and Forever … Deborah Anne
To express condolences to the family, please visit www.devaneybennettfh.com
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