It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph (aka Duke, Smoking Joe, %$$*#+@, etc) Duquette at his home with the assistance of a wonderfully dedicated and committed group of heath care professionals from the pallative care team here in Orleans, Ontario. Joe's suffering from cancer ended and he was surrounded by his family.
Born in St Jochim, Ontario, Joe's childhood ended way too early when his own father passed away when Joe was only 12 years old. Joe then began working early in life, including picking tobacco around Ridgetown, which also lead to 'rolling his own' at this same age. At 16, Joe joined the Canadian Army as a RCASC Soldier Apprentice in 1959 as a driver/mechanic. The 'Boy Soldier' program was two years in length, where Joe finished his secondary education and his trade qualifications. Joe was awarded the Top Apprentice Award for his platoon, which was the start of a very successful military career. In 1963, Joe was posted to Germany and it was there he met a pretty, blond (though older) Australian woman (Betty), who became the love of his life and his wife. In 1966, they had their son Michael, and upon rotating back to Canada a year later, they welcomed their daughter Michele into the family. The military moved Joe and his family about every three years, and this also seemed to coincide with his quick, though well deserved, promotions through the ranks. Joe was promoted to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer at the young age of 39. Joe completed almost 36-years of service, with the Canadian Armed Forces, when he retired in 1995. Joe settled down for the first time since he was 16 years old in Orleans, Ontario, with Betty.
After traveling so much throughout their lives, Joe and Betty settled comfortably into retirement, and into their 'first' real home. They made it exactly how they envisioned, after all the years of military housing. Joe and Betty travelled parts of Canada and once to Australia, but Betty's breast cancers prohibited it to shorter trips. Betty passed away in June 2022 and part of Joe also left then too; he was not the same without Betty.
However, as with any person who spends a career in the military, they become known for being a certain way. Joe could be a tough man who never let anyone, including those in his family, pass a fault (or anything) and you heard about it quickly. The night prior to Joe's passing, the Ottawa region had a violent lightning, thunder and rain storm and it seemed as though the gates of heaven (or hell) knew Joe was coming. Psalm 23:4, which has been changed somewhat for Joe, but seems very fitting for that moment:
"Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for I am the meanest SOB in the valley..."
Joe was jumping out of airplanes in the military into his 40's, and he made his final exit on April 28, where he had the softest landing ever. He has now joined the love of his life, 'little Betty' and they are together again.
Joe is survived by his sister Peggy Delmege (Murray), son Micheal (Nina), daughter Michele (Ben) and was a grandfather to Jordan, Tristan and Zachary.
Many thanks to the entire Ottawa pallative health care team for their professionalism, dedication and kind treatment of Joe. The took care of all his needs (or demands) until his passing. The funeral for Joe will be private and for family only. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any Cancer foundation in the world.
Digital Guestbook
Ray Willis
Cheryl Woodman
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Michael (Nina), Michele (Ben) and their children, at the passing of their loved father and grandfather. Do not forget your Aussie relatives.
Joseph Duquette’s (Duke) beloved wife, Betty was my favorite aunt (Dad’s sister) and I wanted to be like her.
When I met Duke I was totally at ease with him and he was my favorite uncle.
Duke loved Betty with all his heart. He loved his children and was so proud of them. I learned a lot about my own Dad’s childhood through Betty and Duke.
When Betty died, Duke was faithful to her memory by maintaining the prolific correspondence with his Aussie in-laws and “out-laws”, even selecting individual Christmas Cards for us just as she used to do.
Rest in peace Duke with your beloved Betty.
Karyn Ovens
We are very saddened to hear of uncle dukes passing, I loved talking to him on many occasions when mum was sick and then aunty Betty’s passing. We loved keeping in touch and sharing our thoughts and memories,our love and prayers are with Mike and Michelle and families, now at peace with his beloved Betty . Karyn Chris and Family xx
Nola Anderson
Mike and Michelle and families, please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your loving father. Enjoyed our chats on the phone over the years as I wasn't very good with the computer. He will now be with the love of his life, aunty Betty. Rest in peace Duke. From Nola and Bruce Anderson, Clifton Springs, Victoria, Australia and family.
Brian Woodman
Deepest sympathy to Mike, Michelle and Families,
Uncle Duke was a pretty special guy and a true mate, it was a pleasure to keep in touch over the years and to have someone to share our interest in knife making, rest easy with dear Betty now mate
Brian, Geelong Victoria Australia
John Martin
He was always a soldiers soldier . We both worked for Gen Tedllie and family in the 60s in Germany . he introduced me to my wife and was best man at my wedding. We crossed paths over the years I always found him to be stict but fair. We sometimes did have disagreements but I had to respect his point of view. I always enjoyed him and Bettys company.
RSIP your time is done Airborne .
Mike,Michelle and families my condolences to you all on the loss of Joe. I have had the privledge knowing Joe since my first encounter as an apprentice recruit in the 1960 intake. He was our senior platoon leader and a hard task master during those early days ‘do it right or do it again’. A special friendship was established in Germany, when we both married ladies from down under. Your mother Betty, bless her, was destined for Joe and how right she was.
Sad to say good bye to a special friend but memories will always remind us of the man, soldier, loved husband, father and loyal friend. Stand easy my friend you have earned the rest.
Ray Willis