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Maureen DUFFUS Obituary
Maureen was a proud descendant of early Victoria pioneers James and Mary Yates who arrived at Fort Victoria in 1849. She shared her passion for Victoria's history in a series of books including A Most Unusual Colony; Craigflower Country; Beyond the Blue Bridge - Stories from Esquimalt; Old Langford - An Illustrated History; and Battlefront Nurses in World War 1. She was a community leader who volunteered countless hours to preserve and promote local history and was a sought-after speaker on Victoria's early days. She was a founding member of the View Royal town archives. Maureen's community service was recognized in 2012 when she was awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal.
Maureen was a great lover of the arts, music and language. She founded the Vancouver Island Ballet Society and supported many local dance events, and was chair of the studio dance section of the Greater Victoria Music Festival. She was a keen tennis player and gardener.
Maureen attended Victoria College and earned a BA at the UBC. She went on to become an accomplished reporter, feature writer, columnist and editor at the Ottawa Citizen, Victoria Daily Times and the Daily Colonist. Her columns often drew upon her family's life on a small farm in View Royal and her amusement over the challenges of raising horses, sheep, chickens and children.
She spent considerable time abroad with her husband Dr. John Duffus, Dean of Science and Engineering at Royal Roads Military College. While John was studying at Oxford the couple toured England as secretary and van driver for the touring Oxford and Cambridge Players theatrical company, a short-lived but memorable troupe. A later stint in France and England gave her children wanderlust and a love of fancy desserts.
Maureen is survived by her sons Rob (Nina) and James (Amanda), grandchildren Elizabeth (Marc) and Gavin (Justin) and great-granddaughter Nora. There will be a small, private memorial at sea as she joins her husband John. If you are moved to make a tribute she would have appreciated a donation to your favourite local arts foundation, historical society or archive.
Memories and Condolences
for Maureen DUFFUS
7 Entries
Lisa Francis
August 28, 2018
So sorry to hear of Maureen's passing. We spent much time together researching Langford + area history in the 2000's. Condolences to her family.
Larry Moss
August 23, 2018
I really enjoyed working with Maureen on web projects for over 10 years. Her knowledge and commitment to people and community were inspiring. I will miss her.
Niki Neff
August 13, 2018
It was an absolute pleasure to have known Maureen. She was kind and gentle and had such a wonderful laugh. Maureen left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She will be missed by many. My sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to her family.
August 10, 2018
Twenty-five years ago Maureen gave freely of her time and vast professional experience to guide me through the writing of my own local history. For that I shall be ever grateful. Dennis Minaker
August 10, 2018
So sorry to hear of Maureen's passing. She was a positive, bright person. We remember many lively conversations with her and John at Royal Roads Military College functions.
Mike and Ann Wilmut
August 9, 2018
Dear Rob,Nina and Family My deepest condolences to you upon the passing of Maureen.She was polite,soft spoken and well educated. As a writer she had great knowledge of local history.Family should be proud of her scholastic achievements.My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.My heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your loved one. With love at this sad time Mohinder Randhawa Victoria BC
Heather West
August 9, 2018
Such a delightful lady. I so enjoyed assisting her when she made research visits to the Surveyor General's Office. A great loss for the preservation of our local history.
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Memorial Events
for Maureen DUFFUS
Funeral services provided by:
First Memorial Funeral Services - Victoria1155 Fort Street, Victoria, BC V8V3K9