Member for

5 years
Submitted by benoit on Wed, 05/24/2023 - 11:54:AM

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.

 

Digital Guestbook

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/25/2023 - 02:53:PM

Permalink

Keenan

Miss you dude ❤️

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/25/2023 - 03:10:PM

Permalink

Carol & Michael McCrae

Dear family of Pete,
Our hearts & thoughts are with you in this difficult time. As I read about Pete, what an amazing legacy he has left for all he has met & known and for Canada. He lives on through his children, his family and the hearts of all he has touched. Please know we are thinking of you all.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/25/2023 - 08:01:PM

Permalink

Sabrina & Maurizio Montana

Ester we love you so much. I wish I could take away all the pain you are feeling. Sending our thoughts and prayers to you and the kids

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/25/2023 - 08:45:PM

Permalink

Karen Ratushny

Had many great visits with Pete and "the boys" over the years in our backyard . Always a good time. Last time I saw Pete was on his wedding day. He was so happy and excited for his special day. Keep smiling down on those you love Pete. You will never be forgotten. Always in our hearts ....the Ratushny Family.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/25/2023 - 09:45:PM

Permalink

Marisa Gasbarre

Dear Ester,
My heart is breaking for you and your beautiful children. I am so very sorry for this terrible loss. I pray that those closest to you will provide you with all the love, strength and support you will need to get through this very difficult time. May Pete rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/26/2023 - 08:10:AM

Permalink

Andrew Watts

At a loss for words and I truly sorry for your loss. My family will be thinking of you all in this time of sorrow. Thank you for your service Pete.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/26/2023 - 12:04:PM

Permalink

Samantha Ellsworth

Rest in Paradise Pete, I am keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers. You were always such a funny and kind kid, even if Laura and I got annoyed ;))) I imagine you grew up to be an wonderful man. I hope you have found peace.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/26/2023 - 02:14:PM

Permalink

Sue Ciampa

Ester,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. RIP Pete

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/27/2023 - 10:16:AM

Permalink

Daniel Mauro

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear Pete. He touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed. Wishing you peace and comfort in the midst of your grief.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/27/2023 - 10:57:AM

Permalink

Karen Spierkel and valerie accette

Dear Pete
We love you Pete. From our first encounter, there was a kindred spirit. You were cut from special cloth and chose a woman cut from that same unique cloth. Together , we watched you build your beautiful family. No words can express the loss we feel now that you have left us . I imagine you are on a new adventure or watching over us all , smiling and present. We were so grateful to you and Ester and your mom Judy during our health challenges...you made me believe I could beat anything.
For this gift, our dearest humble, handsome, passionate, deep, cerebral, witty and brave young man, ,
we will forever be grateful to you. We will miss you and we will be here for you to watch over.
Our deepest sympathies to your family and all the souls who will never lose sight of you, your energy or your love.
Rest in peace dear Pete. And again, we love you.

Sign digital guestbook

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Photo Gallery

Back to upcoming services