Peter Duff

It is with deep sadness that we share the news about the sudden and unexpected death of a truly remarkable man, Pete Duff.  A loving and well-loved family man, he is mourned by his wife Ester Duff, and his three children Adrian, Julia, and James. Son of Hugh Duff (Marg) and Judy Webster-Duff.  Son-in-law of Spiro and Paula Barlas.  Grandson of Betty Webster. Brother of Laura Ellis (Josh), Brother-in-law of George (Marisa) Barlas, Keya Barlas (Rob Dattilo). Uncle to nieces and nephews Sasha Duff, Lexia Liriano, Ilyssa Dattilo, Evelyn and Spiro Barlas, and Tristan Hay. Predeceased by sister Candice Duff, Grandparents Bill and Aggie Duff and Walt Webster.  

Many of us who love Pete are left wondering about the lost possibilities of the things he might have done had his life been longer; however, we draw strength from the mark he made on this world while he was in it. In 2003 he entered the Canadian Armed Forces and joined the Essex-Kent Scottish Regiment in Windsor, Ontario as an infantry reservist. Later on in his career, he was selected for the Close Protection unit, providing security to dignitaries both at home and overseas. In his relentless pursuit of excellence, Pete then served honourably with both the Canadian Special Operations Regiment as a Special Forces Operator, and a Special Operations Assaulter with Joint Task Force Two. In his service to his country, Pete deployed on numerous operations.

Gone too soon, he will be remembered by many for his countless accomplishments, and honourable and devoted service to Canada. Those who knew him well will warmly recall him as a man who loved to laugh, to share in the company of others, and to lend support to anyone in need.

Pete was passionate about his family, and incredibly proud of his children. He made everyone aware his family was his ultimate accomplishment in life, and everything he did was done for them. Pete was the biggest hero to his children, and they looked up to him tremendously, always looking forward to their next big adventure with their dad. Best friend to his wife Ester, they spent many years travelling together and building a life that would soon become better than one they could ever imagine.

Pete was the most loyal and caring son. He always ensured his parents were taken care of and always extended words of advice and wisdom upon them, which were well beyond his years. He often loved sharing stories of his childhood and cherished memories of his upbringing. Pete was proud of his parents and often acknowledged the challenges they faced to help form the man he had become.

Pete was loyal, funny and serious. Family life meant the whole family. There was nothing he liked better than to gather everyone together, from all walks of life. He was involved in their lives. Pete’s family  and friends always knew that no matter where he was in the world he would always stay in contact. He was consistent; everyone knew the same Pete. No matter who you were, he treated everyone equally.  

Family, friends and colleagues are invited to pay respects at the Hall of Colours of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa, on Sunday May 28, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Monday May 29 after 11a.m. until service time.  

Funeral Service will be held on Monday May 29, in the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre at 1p.m. Interment will be held at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces followed by a reception in the Borden and Fleming Suites of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre.  

His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure. He is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.