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Alfred Dufty Obituary
Boise, ID: Alfred McNicoll Dufty, Jr., age 62, of Boise, ID, passed away suddenly on Monday, April 16, 2012. He was the oldest son of Irene and Alfred Dufty, Sr. He was the president and valedictorian of his class at Vestal High School in 1968 and went on to attend and play basketball for Princeton University, graduating in 1972. Al took a position with the biology faculty at Boise State University in 1988, became a full professor in 1996, and was appointed associate dean of the Graduate College in 2005. Al is preceded in death by his father, Alfred Dufty, Sr, and is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Bonnie (Boise); son Brian (Boise); daughter Cameron (Boise); grandchildren Derek and Isabelle Dufty (Boise) and Adyson Cole (Boise); his brother David and sister-in-law Debbie (Chicago); his mother Irene (Chicago); numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Boise State University Foundation for the Dr. Alfred M. Dufty, Jr. Memorial Fund by emailing [email protected] or calling 208-426-3276.
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Memories and Condolences
for Alfred Dufty
Bob Crandall
April 13, 2025
Al and I went to school together at vestal, we played soccer together, we called him flipper because the soccer shoes all were to small so he had to wear football shoes. We played Babe Ruth baseball together , Al was a great athlete and a better human being!
Allison Korte
April 13, 2023
I still remember Al as being such a great mentor and kind man!
Abdussalam Khamis
May 17, 2012
I used to be one of the international students at Boise State University, and I still remember the great help that he provided me while I was graduate student at BSU. I really feel sorry for his lost. May God rest his soul and reward him for what he did for me.
Ayokunle Hodonu
May 15, 2012
I took a seminar class called Animal Parasites with Dr, Dufty. It is so sad that he's gone. I also saw him regularly at the rec center. May God be with you, his family. He was an excellent teacher.
Molly Mettler
May 14, 2012
Dear Bonnie,
The memorial gathering honoring Al was a vivid testament to a life well-lived. Love of family, passion for work, and long arms stretched out to support others in their journeys of discovery all came into clear focus. We grieve with you, and send hugs of support.
Bea Lott
May 7, 2012
The Thanksgiving dinners at your house with Al were heartwarming and fun. I will miss your gentle giant!
Stephanie Dalton
May 1, 2012
I am one of the many students profoundly impacted by Dr. Dufty. He was an amazing instructor and mentor. May God give you the grace, strength, and peace to face each new tomorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Nora Therrien
May 1, 2012
Bonnie,
Praying for you and your family.
Love, Nora Wilson Therrien (Rosie's sister)
Sharon Ehret
April 29, 2012
Bonnie, you are in my thoughts. Ross Corners Elementary School was where we met. May God be with you and your family, take tomorrows one day at a time and may your memories carry you. Sharon (Rozelle) Ehret
Gregory Ball
April 29, 2012
I had the privilege of being a colleague of Al's at Rockefeller University in the mid-1980s. He was a wonderful and a great scientist. Bonnie my heart goes out to you. Al will be greatly missed by us all.
Norma Slocum
April 28, 2012
I remember the name Al Dufty from the sports pages of the Southern Tier of New York, Section 4 basketball days. I followed the career of Jim Clark and remember one of his competitors being Al Dufty. Al was accomplished then in sports and I am so impressed as to the illustrious professtional career he accomplished as well. My sympathies to the family; the Binghamton Press printed a great tribute article about him.
Sue Chew
April 28, 2012
Dear Bonnie, Brian and Everybody
Al made my life better too! In 2000, Heather, Kim and I hung on every word, story and joke Al shared in B227. You should know we also wagered about whether this would be the day we would see him come to class with either his basketball laces flapping when he moved, his shirt untucked when he turned to move to the blackboard or if his hair would be crying for a comb or not. It was particularly gratifying if he came with all 3 measures manifest. We would meet with him with lists of questions because we wanted to understand everything he mentioned and he mentioned alot! As the years went by, I came to look for his open door so I could run stuff by him. Yesterday, I teared up big time when Brian shared. Brian, I will redouble my efforts to listen to people more than I talk and be the kind of quiet, impactful person your Dad was. That drive and tenacity you described on the court,I filed away too! Heather's share that over the years whenever she was wondering if she could actually do the seemingly impossible, and Al saying "I don't see why not" will be one story I will be regaling in the name of your dad to others for years to come!
Richard McCloskey
April 27, 2012
It was a shock to hear of Al's death. He was a colleague and a friend who will dearly be missed.
David Frink
April 27, 2012
Bonnie and family, I had the good fortune to count Al among my high school friends and will always remember fondly two summer road trips with he and Jack Doherty. He was always kind, always helpful and will always be bigger than life. I'm so sorry for your family's loss. You all are in many people's thoughts and prayers.
Roger Slawta
April 27, 2012
So sorry to read the news. A childhood hero of mine: Bobby Campbell (football), Al Dufty (basketball) how could we lose? Many great memories. Wishing the entire family well - God Bless.
Jim Sprague
April 26, 2012
Bonnie,
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Like you, Al was an exceptionally talented person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless.
Dr Frank & Joyce Gilroy
April 25, 2012
Irene,
We were saddened to learn of the death of your son Alfred Jr. He certainly had an out standing career. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Ann Coon-Webb
April 24, 2012
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Al. You all are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Bob Wood
April 24, 2012
I was on the 1968 VHS baseball with Al. What a great athlete and terrific person. One of my best memories was in basketball and a huge game for Al against Catholic Central his senior year. The headlines in the next morning's newspaper read “CC huffed and puffed 44 for Duff”. My condolences to his family and to all who knew him.
Dick and Renee Fletcher (Fancher)
April 24, 2012
Bonnie and family, Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Al was a kind and thoughtful person.
April 23, 2012
We were happy to have the privilege of knowing Al although for a brief time. A gentle giant with a super sense of humor and a superb basketball player. Our hearts go out to you Bonnie, Dave, his children and mother. An all around great person. We will keep you in our prayers. Love, Kurt & Kelly Mohney
Gary and Cindy Rounds
April 23, 2012
So saddened to hear about Al. What a wonderful person! Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Bonnie, and to your family.
Mike and Kat Butler
April 23, 2012
Al made the world a better place, patiently, consistently, and thoughtfully, with a smile on his face and laughter in his eyes. I'm thankful for the three years that Al served as my mentor, and for the following six years when he was also a friend. To Bonnie and the rest of Al's family, you are in our thoughts and have our deepest condolences. I'll miss you, Al.
Chip Kinne
April 23, 2012
Dear Bonnie... My deepest sympothies go out to you and your family with the passing of Al. I have a vivid picture of Al coming down the hall to pay you a visit at during those Ross Corner Years. I hope for happy times to return soon in to your life....... Chip Kinne
William deGolian
April 23, 2012
Al was a star and a much beloved member of the Class of 1972 at Princeton University. We were looking forward to catching up with him at our 40th Reunion in June. We are saddened by his sudden passing.
Bill deGolian, Class of 1972, Princeton
Raluca & Robert Pettinger
April 23, 2012
We are deeply saddened by the news and the empty space that Al's passing has left in the hearts of his family. We wish you all strength to find eventual comfort in the knowledge that he was loved by and brought joy to so many. This obituary is a beautiful, moving testament to all the profound goodness and selflessness one human being can leave behind. We love you, Cam.
George Herrick
April 23, 2012
Linda and I were very saddened to hear of Al's passing. We have many happy soccer memories of Dave, Al and the Dufty family. Al and Dave were two of the pillars that started the whole Vestal High School soccer program. They were a coach's joy!
George Herrick
Geri Van Gorder (Chmielewski)
April 23, 2012
Dear Bonnie,
As a young girl I remember my dad taking me to Vestal basketball games to watch Al Dufty! I believe he set some crazy record for points (44?) one game. As he was a friend of my sister, I remember him coming to our house and my pet parakeet flying onto his head and getting stuck in his crop of blond hair! Birds loved him even then. Our paths crossed briefly when I was a Bio major at SUNY B. He was an amazing person who left a positive impression on all who were fortunate to meet him. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Bob Crandall
April 23, 2012
So sorry to hear about Al(Flipper) ,played soccer and Babe Ruth baseball with Al what a great person and athlete.
Bob Crandall ( Elmira Hts. N.Y.)
Lindsey Neild
April 22, 2012
David
So sorry to hear of this news. My prayers are with you and your family.
Lindsey
Joe Shuta
April 22, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of 'Big Al'. I had a great respect of him as a fellow student while in high school and it seems he continued throughout his life earning the respect of the lives he touched. My condolences to his family.
Judy Byrnes
April 22, 2012
Al played basketball for my father, Coach Lobb, at Vestal High School. Our family was saddened to hear of his passing. We fondly remember Al and the Dufty family.
George Weston
April 22, 2012
Bonnie and family, I was saddened to hear of the passing of my childhood neighbor and friend. I remember the excitement when I found out that a family with two boys was moving into our isolated Grippen Hill neighborhood. We spent a great deal of time playing wiffle ball, hard ball in his backyard field, football in my side yard, and basketball at his basket or mine. I recently saw a family portrait and it was great to see everyone. I will surely miss "Alfie" when I remember my youth and I extend my sincere condolences to your family.G
Georgiana Williamson Brown
April 22, 2012
Bonnie and family, There are no words to express my feelings for your loss. Throughout our high school years together, Al always exhibited what a good leader should be....kind, gentle, interested in others, encouraging. It is obvious that those traits continued throughout his life. My heartfelt condolences to you. Class of 1968 reunions will never be the same. He will always be remembered.
ashutosh mishra
April 22, 2012
Have a peaceful sleep at the feet of the almighty Dr Dufty. You were great whenever I met you in BSU. My wife Dr Rama Mishra a visiting Prof in the Mathematics Deptt @ BSU during (2006-2007)also sends her respcts.I sure do have so many reasons as a Communications graduate student (Jan 2007-June 2009) at BSU never to forget your benign warmth and help.Ashutosh Mishra from Pune, India
April 21, 2012
Dear Bonnie and Family,
We are in shock. We just heard as we are out of town. Over the years there are people who enter your life that truly influence you in a positive manner. Both Al and you are two of those people. Needless to say we are so sorry for your loss. We truly know the hurt. Just know you and your family our in our prayers and thoughts during this most difficult time.
Skip and Linda Pierce
Christopher Clark
April 21, 2012
These moments are hard to fathom,
swirl like eddies of nothingness,
consume one's mind with thoughts of
who we are, where we've been, what
we're doing and where we're going.
Each breath becomes a blessing bathed in life's river, flowing swiftly
over rocks while lying as a mirror for the rays of sun and the moon's reflections.
Weary, fragile, wistful, solemn, mournful, joyous, radiant, timeless, uplifting - all in one - and then it's gone.
Take nothing for granted; not life, nor time, and especially not each other.
Have a safe trip, Al. We'll all miss you beyond words, beyond all the memories.
Your friend, Chris
Russ and Doris Hill
April 21, 2012
Bonnie and Family, There are no words to tell you how sad we feel. We loved seeing you and Al at our reunion and will cherish that time as well as the fond High School memories that we have. You are in our thoughts and in our prayers and wish we were there to give you a big hug and be by your side during this time. Al was a giant amongst giants and will live in the memory of so very many.
Love, Russ and Doris Hill
John Hess
April 21, 2012
A great guy and friend.
jack hess
American Heart Association
April 20, 2012
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Jane Coutts
April 20, 2012
When we first moved to Vestal NY in 1963 the Dufty family and we became close friends. One of my first memories was of his mother Irene and me, with my two little children in tow, running up and down the sidelines of the soccer field as the only spectators of a sport few knew at that time. Our two sons went on to become all-state soccer players, partly because of watching the Dufty boys play. Al and Bonnie were high school youth group advisors at our church when I was the junior high school advisor, then when they left, I "moved up". They were big shoes to fill. (both literally and figuratively !) My last visit with Al was when I flew up from FL to NC to attend his dad's memorial service. Part of the joy of that weekend was being with "young" Al again. He has always been one of my favorite people and my husband and I grieve his too-early death. He was a very special person. Our love and sympathy go to ID from FL to Bonnie, Brian and Cameron.
April 20, 2012
A terrible loss to many. I heard about Dr. Dufty's death through a basketball forum from a fellow Princetonian. People like Al, whom I saw play when he was an undergraduate, make us fellow Tigers proud. That he could accomplish so much, both in life and when he was an undergraduate juggling a very demanding academic load with his time-consuming role as a varsity athlete, is truly remarkable.
My deepest sympathies to his friends and family.
John Poole
Silverton, Colorado
April 20, 2012
Bonnie and family, We send our love to you all. Al was guy who we are proud to have known.
Darlene Harryman and Donna Cooper
Lynda Leppert
April 20, 2012
Al was a very human graduate advisor while in school and after graduation. His passing will be a great loss. Bonnie always welcomed his students into her home with grace and interest. Al's music interests were not strictly mainstream he also liked Sister Hazel and random buskers he would find music from online and from NPR.
Tom and Linda Sorber
April 20, 2012
Dear Bonnie and family,
My wife Linda (Lyons) and I were shocked to hear of Al's untimely passing. We all graduated from Vestal together in '68. Al was such a gentle giant and exemplified all that was good in a person. We both remember him as a sweet, sweet spirit. And it came as no surprise to us that Al achieved so much in his life. Please know that we are grieving with you. It has been said that a full life is not how long we live but what we did while we were here. It is obvious that Al lead a full life and his impact to all who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing him is great and lasting. God is surely saying to Al "Well done good and faithful servant". Unfortunately, the more we love someone, the bigger the void and the greater the pain. We pray that God will give you and your family an extra measure of comfort during this most difficult of times. We send our love and deepest sympathy to you all.
Tim Traver
April 19, 2012
Al and Bonnie were MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship) leaders for our 1975-6 years in the Vestal UMC, they were such a vibrant couple, they led us on many wonderful trips and taught us what a loving couple was, they were great role models. Some of the best times of my youth were in MYF, and I thank God that we had wonderful leaders like the Dufty's. Bonnie and family, may the love shine through your tears, and know that many are thinking of you know.
Beth Barlow Lucas
April 19, 2012
Bonnie, yours is one of the great love stories from the Class of '68! Al's love of everyone around him shone through. He will be missed by everyone from Vestal to Boise. May the Lord throw His loving arms around you during this time.
Christine Olson
April 19, 2012
Dear Bonnie,
The VHS Class of '68 will never forget Al. We are all still in shock and sharing stories about how Al touched our lives. He was a wonderful human being and will live in our hearts forever. Much love to you and your children.
Yours truly,
Christine Quackenbush Olson
Allison Korte
April 19, 2012
Al was such a kind man and such an amazing adviser. It will be hard to finish up without him. My condolences go to the Dufty family as I know what a great loss this is.....
Rachel Williamson (Woodward)
April 19, 2012
Al Dufty and I graduated in '68 from Vestal Central High School. He was a rare individual who had the best of all character traits: kind, intense, brilliant, ambitious, friendly, modest, generous and will be sooooo missed by all who knew him. Class of '68 will always remember him fondly.
Taissiya
April 19, 2012
Dear Dr. Dufty, you will always be in my heart, in my loving memory, I ADMIRE YOU AND ALWAYS WILL. Rest in peace,
with love,
Eric Nolte
April 19, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear that Dr. Dufty has left us so suddenly. He was a great help for me in my time at BSU.
Anne King
April 19, 2012
Sending our best to you Bonnie, I am so sorry for your loss. We love you!
Shelly Demetros
April 19, 2012
I went to High School with Al and Bonnie, and they truly were sole mates. I want to share one of my funniest moments with Al. As sophmores at Vestal High School, someone dared me to wear Al's size 14 sneakers all day! Taking the dare, I did. Alot of my teachers gave me a look, but other people said, well that's her. At the end of the end of the day, I gave Al back his sneakers, and we had a big laugh over it. I will remember his gentle nature, his smile, and most of all a friend, My thoughts are with Bonnie and children at this time.
Brian Smith
April 19, 2012
Al (although I ALWAYS called him Dr. Dufty, even on the basketball court) was a great man. He served on my graduate committee at BSU, and I always enjoyed learning from him. It was truly an honor to work and play pick-up basketball games with him. Our condolences to Bonnie, Brian, Cameron & family/friends that he left behind far too soon. Rest in peace, Dr. Dufty.
Brian, Rebecca, Ani, and Cody Smith
Wyatt Williams
April 19, 2012
Very sad news. Al was such a great guy. Always kind, ready with a smile. Sorry to all of his family, friends, and students. He will definitely be missed. The university and community lost a very good man.
Brian Herting
April 19, 2012
"Al was an amazing presence in my life while I was a grad student at BSU. I have often wondered in many of my 'stuck places' in life what Al would do in the situation. I think that is a true mark of an amazing mentor. Thanks for adding so much to my life and thousands of others - you were a great mentor, friend and person!
Adil Bentahar
April 19, 2012
I shall never forget you, dear Dr. Dufty. You were more than faculty member for me, and your support, spontaneous smiles, and positive attitude touched thousands of students. You're really missed. May you rest in peace!
Joanne Klein
April 19, 2012
Al smiled with his entire being. He always had a good story to share about his birds and would answer our bird questions with enthusiasm. He will be so missed on campus.
S. Howell
April 19, 2012
Al was the nicest person, always willing to take time to say hello and share a smile. Everyone who knew Al thought highly of him. He will be sorely missed at BSU. To Bonnie and the family, I am so very sorry for your loss, may you find comfort in each other.
Russell J. Centanni
April 19, 2012
"I met this gentle, articulate 'giant' during his interview in 1988 and every expectation I had on that day was satisfied during his tenure. A family man first, a teacher, mentor, scholar and scientist what more could we have asked for? Thank you Al for being part of the fabric that is BSU, you will be missed!"
Marcia Belcheir
April 19, 2012
What a gentle and loving man. I always enjoyed being in Al's presence (even in boring meetings!). The world is diminished without his presence.
david wilkins
April 19, 2012
Al was a presence on campus, and his ever-present smile is something that was always welcome to see. He was a pleasure to work with, and a friend who is greatly missed.
Cate-Phyllis Lavey-Tambling
April 19, 2012
Dearest Bonnie & Family......there are no words to express our feelings for your loss during this time. Please know we are sending all our love. Picture this....Al next to the smart car - Paris, France. :)
much love, Cate & Phyllis
Chuck Parr
April 19, 2012
Al and I were HS class mates and we last saw each other at our 40th....he looked just as he did when we graduated and still had the same kind demeanor- although deep down he was a fierce competitor...a Great Man has left us too soon ...my condolences to Bonnie and kids ...
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