Saturday, November 11, 2023
This loss has been very difficult to process. I've known the Duff family for 20 years through their son Graeme. Throughout the years Ian and Marina were a constant source of laughs, love, support, and encouragement. Talking with a friend at the memorial, he poignantly remarked "Everyone was welcome in the Duff house, they took care to make sure you never left empty. When it was time to leave, you were full of laughs, love, and incredible food. Everyone who walked into their home was embraced as family and always welcomed back in the same way". This was just the way it was in the Duff household, both Ian and Marina worked together beautifully to make this happen. I consider myself blessed to have been a part of it.
I fondly remember Ian as someone who was fast with a great joke or hilarious remark and even faster to laugh at his own joke. Thinking about him, I can hear his laugh and see his smiling face. He embraced the fun in life and did his very best to make sure the people around him were having a great time. Ian had another quality that was on display for the word to see; he was fiercely proud of his children. Seeing him at sporting events and being around them during family dinners, Ian's pride and love was always on display.
Saying he was a "good guy" scratches the surface of how amazing Ian was. I will miss him.
Condolences to all of the Duff family, Ian's friends, and co-workers in their loss.
