Charles A. Duboc

Charles Albert Duboc, 93, passed away peacefully at home, in the presence of loving family, on April 19, 2016. He was born in Ft. Scott, Kansas on February 16, 1923, to Ray Boardman Duboc and Fern Miller Duboc. When he was nine his family moved to Kansas City. He attended Border Star, and graduated from Southwest High School in 1939. He received his Bachelor of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1943, was a member of Sigma Xi and Kappa Sigma, and worked in the MIT Radiation Lab upon graduation. During World War II he served in the United States Naval Air Corps as Lieutenant JG. When he completed his military service he returned to MIT to obtain his PhD in physics, that was awarded in 1949.

In 1944 Charles married Barbara Dangerfield, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage. In 1949 he moved his family to Rochester, New York and worked in the research labs at Eastman Kodak. He enjoyed summers by the water, and taught his family about the natural world around them, always instilling others with his curiosity and passion for learning. He was a member of Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester, and was an Elder in the church.

In 1960 the family moved again, to Mission Hills, Kansas. Charles changed careers, taking a job as Financial Vice-President of the Western Insurance Companies. Ultimately he became CEO and Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 1985, when the Western was bought by American States Insurance. Charles served as president of the Kansas City chapter of the Financial Analyst Society. He also served on many boards over the years, including the University of Kansas City, Baker University, Nelson Atkins Museum, St. Luke’s Foundation, Puritan Bennett Corporation, Yellow Freight Company, and the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation.
Throughout his life Charles maintained an interest in physics and mathematics, as well as finance. He also pursued interests in medical science, history, the arts and genealogy. A life long learner, he valued education and his philanthropy benefitted many schools and organizations in Kansas City and beyond. He was a member of Mission Hills Country Club and Colonial Church in Prairie Village.

Above all, he was devoted to his family. He taught by example, constant in his gentlemanly manner, generosity and humility. He was always available to his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and especially enjoyed time spent with his brother Bob.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Barbara. His surviving family includes his children Linda D Walker of Rockport, MA, and his son Charles M Duboc of Plano, TX; five grandchildren, Katherine White and her husband Jim of Overland Park, KS, James R Walker of Toronto, Ontario, Charles E Duboc of Bethlehem, CT, Charles D Walker and his wife Elisa of Somerville, MA, Elizabeth LaFortune and her husband Ben of Amesbury, MA; seven great grandchildren; his brother Robert M. Duboc of Kansas City, and nieces and nephews.

Special thanks are extended to St. Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute, Cornerstone Assisted Home Care, Concierge Care, and St Luke’s Hospice for their loving care and assistance. In keeping with Charles’ wishes there will be a private memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family request that those who wish to honor Charles with a memorial gift make a donation to Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute Clinical Research Fund at St Luke’s Foundation, 4225 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO 64111.