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Gordon Stuart Duff

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Gordon Duff Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 25, 2024.

Gordon Stuart Duff

September 30, 1933 - March 23, 2024

Gordon Stuart Duff, 90, passed away March 23, 2024 in Escondido, California. Born on September 30, 1933, in El Centro, California, Gordon was the son of Laurence and Adrian (White) Duff. He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Ann Whelan, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in El Centro on July 18, 1953. Gordon and Shirley raised seven children.

A charming, light-hearted and energetic man, Gordon spent the majority of his early years in El Centro, with a passion for cars and cruising with friends. Once married and starting a family, he and Shirley moved to Allied Gardens in 1956 where he was a salesman with Frito Lay, then later with Mother's Cookies. In 1968, he was transferred and moved his family to Oceanside. Gordon worked miscellaneous second jobs to provide for his large family and to allow his children to attend parochial school. He enjoyed family camping vacations and volunteering for bingo at St Francis Catholic Church. His greatest source of energy was endless cups of coffee, he had an insatiable sweet tooth right up to the end, and he continued his life-long passion for vintage cars. Near his chair he kept a prayer card he recited daily that read, "Lord, help me to remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that you and I together can't handle. Amen."

Gordon is survived by his daughter Kevin Lachnit (Craig) of Oceanside; son Mark (Jolyn) of Valley Center; son David (Lisa) of Vista; daughter Kim Dalton (Keith) of Pocatello, ID; daughter Cindy Sardo (Tim McCray) of Vancouver, WA; son Michael (Cindy) of Whitney, NE; 16 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Shirley, his wife of 50 years; son Ronald Dean; great-granddaughters Leela Rae Villareal and Dakota Roosevelt Pokorny; son-in-law Alex Shortt; parents Laurence Lloyd and Adrian Doreen; brothers Jack and Larry, Jr., and stepfather Charles Sharrow.

A private graveside service will be held at Mission San Luis Rey. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gordon's memory may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) or Ronald McDonald House Charities San Diego.

"Well done, good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of your Lord." Matthew 25:21a,c

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Recent Activity

April 3, 2024

Debbie Stafford posted to the memorial.

March 27, 2024

Sandie Boutte posted to the memorial.

March 26, 2024

Sherry Daggett posted to the memorial.

6 Entries

Debbie Stafford

April 3, 2024

We are all so saddened at the passing of your Dad. Certainly Allied Gardens sheds a tear at the loss of its last 50th Street patriarch. That is where our connection with Gordon begins. He was another "block" substitute dad for us girls. His ever present smile, gentle nature and good looks always stood out! As hopeful little kids lurking around the Frito Lay and Mother's Cookie trucks for handouts ... he was ever generous. Don't think he ever told us to skee-daddle. As families, I remember backyard KFC dinners, parents playing cards, the neighborhood dads helping Gordon complete the back patio addition, late nite calls on Christmas Eve because the wrapping paper ran out and the ever present kid waiting outside the door to get in the one bathroom while your dad was occupying it! I remember distinctly, to this day, watching your Dad get in the car and drive you away to move to Oceanside. Lots of tears that day. Yet the connection of our families has continued. Graduations, fun, weddings, babies and loss have kept us staying in touch. It is a reflection of our respect for him and for all that was good and kind in Gordon. For that matter your mom and all of the Duff kids fill that bill too. Just know that we have the fondest of memories of your Dad, he will be remembered well. From all of us Daggett girls, we send our warmest thoughts for healing and our deepest sympathy.
Love, Debbie, Sherry, Robin, John and Rick

Sandie Boutte

March 27, 2024

From the Boutte´ family to the Duff family. We all have a special love for Uncle Gordon and want to express our shared sadness. From Brian "I always enjoyed seeing him. A good man". Mom has many fond memories of him. The one she shares most often is of him teaching her to dive. I remember his smile, and his kind eyes. Please know that our arms are wrapped tightly around all of you, as you navigate your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Much Love, the Boutte´ family.

Sherry Daggett

March 26, 2024

Growing up in Allied Gardens with the Duff family was awesome! So many fun times and dear memories. But my best memories of Gordon are 1) Of him letting us into the back of his Fritos truck and letting us pick out a small bag of chips. I wonder how much money we neighborhood kids collectively owe him now? 2) When my outdoor wedding was rained out and the venue turned off the electricity to the amphitheater for safety... Gordon and family came to our rescue with his RV generator and powered up the microphone, harpist's speaker, BBQ caterer, and DJ turntable! Saved the day! And 3) Best hair ever!!! Miss you sweet Gordon. Thanks for the memories. Love, prayers, and condolences to all of the Duffs! Sherry Daggett and Rick Blakes

Kathy Whelan-Cutsforth

March 26, 2024

My best memory is how Uncle Gordon always made me smile. He was so funny... to me as a child. And yes, he always had the Mother's peanut butter cookies for us. Specially for mom. Love and prayers to all my cousins.

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Laurie Halte

March 25, 2024

Living in a different state, my memories of Uncle Gordon were mainly from family vacations, but we always had a fabulous time! He always looked the same, white haired crew cut. And he always had peanut butter cookies for us to take home. I know my parents love him dearly, and will miss him. Love to the Duff Family!

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