Obituary of Col. Ronald Humphrey Duke

Duke – Ronald Humphrey, B.Sc., Prof.Eng., CD March 9, 1925 to January 9, 2011 Ron passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Patricia, his daughters Laurel (David) and Robyn (Michael),his son David (Vicki), his grandchildren who adored him, Jordan, Nicole, Haley and Emma; brothers Vernon (Audrey) and Peter (Barbara), sister Barbara (Jim), sister-in-law Frances (Paul) and many nieces and nephews. Ron was born in Edson, Alberta to Charles and Laurel Duke. The family moved to Edmonton and then to Winnipeg. In 1943 Ron enlisted in the Armed Forces. Shortly thereafter, he met and married the love of his life, Pattie. Ron attended the University of Manitoba where he graduated with a B.Sc. in Chemistry, Honours and re-enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces. During the next 33 years Ron and his family lived in the U.S.A., Europe and Canada before he retired to Ottawa after attaining the rank of Colonel. One highlight of his military career was serving as the Canadian Military Attache to Yugoslavia and Greece. Ron was never one to sit still and spent many hours as a Boy Scout leader, minor hockey coach and non-stop volunteer serving on many boards and committees. When he retired from the Forces he returned to school where he graduated with a Diploma in Recreation Management from Algonquin College in Ottawa. In 1980 his diploma led he and Pattie across the country to Chilliwack, B.C. where he worked as Director of the Y.M.C.A. for eight years. Ron loved to golf and he spent many hours on the golf course with his friends and family. He also loved to garden both at home and at the Gwynne Vaughan Gardens where he tended to his veggies. A staunch supporter of the Chilliwack Bruins/Chiefs, you could always find him cheering in his reserved seat at the arena. He was a faithful member of the Chilliwack Rotary Club where he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow. His dedication to Rotary was exemplified by his 32 years of perfect attendance. In 1996 Ron was also recognized by the “Independent Senior” newspaper as the “B.C. Senior of the Year”. Whether it was building an ice rink in the backyard for his kid, starting the St. Thomas Carpet Bowling league, serving as President on the Board of the Senior Resource Centre for 9 years, playing Candyland with his grandkids, reading with Kindergarten students, volunteering at Elder College or helping Pattie design a quilt pattern, he brought to everything he did passion, commitment and loyalty. Never a quiet man, he loved a good joke and laughed loudly and often. He was intensely proud of his wife, children and grandchildren. He also showed a great affection for his children’s pets. He was a man that was never afraid to show his love for his family and he was a man who was admired by all and a mentor to many. He will be missed. The family would like to thank Dr. Scott Markey, Dr. S. Mawani and the wonderful staff at the Maple Ridge Seniors Village for all the love and care they gave to this wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Messages and remembrances can be sent to www.gardenhill.ca. A memorial service will be held at St. Thomas Anglican Church, 46048 Gore Avenue, Chilliwack, B.C. on Monday, January 24th, 2011 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ronald’s memory may be made to The Rotary International Foundation c/o the Rotary Club of Chilliwack or a charity of your choice.