Keith Michael DUFFY

On June 13, 2018 Keith Duffy passed away quietly at age 77. 

He will be greatly missed, and is survived by his children:  son Patrick (Jean), daughter Linda (Clinton), and son Michael.  He will be fondly remembered by his twin brother Robert (Joan), brother Terry, brother Dennis (Chantaal), and various in-laws, cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.  He is predeceased by his wife and love of his life Darlene, parents Bill and Ilene, and brother Neil.

When Keith met Darlene in 1959, he was finishing grade 13 in Kelowna BC, and they were soon engaged. During that 4 year engagement, he embarked on an effort to establish himself in a steady career. That path saw him attempt pilot training with the Canadian Military, which was followed by a position with the Canadian Weather Service.  It was during that time that he was charged by a polar bear, which he had to assist in dispatching.  He also survived a helicopter crash, from which he escaped with knee injuries requiring surgery. Ultimately, he settled into a less dangerous career with the Royal Bank of Canada, and he and Darlene married in 1963.

Keith started his RBC career in Cassiar BC, and retired from that career in Vancouver BC in 1997 after over 30 years of service. He held various positions with RBC all over British Columbia, first starting as a teller, progressing to Bank Management, then ending with Bank Operations and Training. After taking early retirement, Keith and Darlene moved from Fort Langley BC to Penticton BC, and they took great joy in traveling the world. They often spent 1-3 months per winter abroad, in countries such as Spain, Portugal, Australia, Mexico, Bali, France, and various others. 

Keith was a character who loved to socialize, and co-host and cook for dinner parties, particularly with his friends from Newcomers in Penticton. It was common for Keith to surprise his guests in costume, be it a toga and laurel wreath, or grass skirt and coconut bra.  He was also an enthusiast of WWII trivia, archaeology, and winemaking, and played the occasional round of golf. 

After Darlene’s passing in March 2017, Keith moved to Campbell River BC to be cared for by his family, and spent his final months in Qualicum Beach, BC.  His family wishes to thank the caregivers who assisted with his well-being over the past year, and friends and family who visited. His final resting place will be next to Darlene in Campbell River BC.  No services are planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia, at:  http://alzheimer.ca/en/bc/Get-involved/Ways-to-donate

Lives Cherished and Celebrated