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Patrick Richard Duff

Patrick Duff Obituary

Patrick Richard DUFF Age 32. Born March 28, 1977. Died in a tragic accident on November 5, 2009 in Hamlin Park. He lived in Shoreline with his loving wife and best friend Suzy (Breidenbach) Duff. He was the beloved son of Dr. Richard and Delphine Duff, and brother to Christopher (Julene) Duff and Mathew (Angela) Duff. Patrick was born and raised in Edina, Minnesota. After graduating from the University of Minnesota with a BFA in Creative Writing, he moved to Seattle with Suzy to attend graduate school at the UW and earned his MFA in Creative Writing in 2006. Over the last few years Patrick commuted to Bainbridge Island where he worked as Production Manager for Fenwick Publishing. Suzy and Patrick spent many weekends with their dog Sheila hiking the mountain and lake trails of Washington, camping and capturing photographs of the scenery around them. He was a motorcycle enthusiast, participating as an active member of the Sound RIDER! motorcycle community, and always looked forward to his annual hunting trip in Minnesota with the Keenans. Patrick was preceded in death by his father Dr. Richard M. Duff, his maternal grandfather Alexander C. Olivera, his paternal grandparents Dr. Edwin and Ruth Duff. Patrick will be greatly missed by his wife and family, and his many friends. Memorials can be sent to The Nature Conservancy, www.nature.org; Or, in honor of his love for his pets, Ginger, Zooey, and Sheila, memorials can also be made to PAWS, www.paws.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Nov. 11 to Nov. 12, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Patrick Duff

33 Entries

Debra Hartley

November 24, 2010

I was very sorry to hear just yesterday about Patrick's tragic death over a year ago. I supervised him in his work in the General College writing center when he was a student at the U of Minnesota. Patrick had a big personality--he was funny, smart, and a pleasure to work with. His commitment to helping students become better writers was always evident. He was a very good person. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Roderick Overaa

December 1, 2009

I went through the MFA program at UW with Patrick, and I will always remember him as a warm, open person who made friends with an ease and effortlessness that one could not help but admire, especially because he was so obviously genuine. He was a supportive colleague and a valued friend. His kindness, easy manner, and jolly humor will be remembered by all those who knew him. This loss seems so random and senseless, but I find some comfort in the knowledge that Patrick touched the lives of so many in the same positive manner in which he touched mine.

Dan Craven

November 20, 2009

Suzy -

I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know that our best thoughts and prayers are with you, and your families during this difficult time. I'm here if you need to chat or vent.

Dan & Holly

Kit Olson

November 20, 2009

Pat was an American Government student of mine at Valley View Middle School...so many years ago. However, he is one I will never forget. Funny, bright, empathetic and yet ready to challenge many of the institutional walls around him- as most kids do at that time in life. I am so glad to know that he found true love, the Lord and was able to share his gift of writing with others. My sympathies to his wife Suzy and whole family.

Joanie Woodland

November 16, 2009

I am Mary Breidenbach's cousin and we met Patrick at his wedding to Suzy in Oregon, June 2007. It was one of the nicest weddings we have ever attended.
"...Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun..." So sorry to hear of this tremendous loss. Our sympathy to Suzy and her family.

Rose Kim

November 15, 2009

I was in Patrick's short story writing class three years ago. A wonderful writer and an inspiring teacher. His wife and family are in my prayers.

November 14, 2009

I never met Patrick, but his father, Richard, and I were neighborhood friends in Minneapolis, growing up less than one block apart. Richard and I, along with other neighborhood children, played many hours together, games such as kick-the-can, softball, football, etc.

If I had known that Richard's son lived in the Seattle area, I would love to have met him and to share memories of life in South Minneapolis in the 1940's-1950's.

Richard, too, left this world too soon. What amazing men these two Duff boys were!

You are in my thoughts and prayers!

Patti (Bluml) Timmons

Bryan Burley

November 14, 2009

i never knew Pat very well, but we ran in the same circles often enough to know he was a great person. Whether it was when we were sitting on the keenans porch, or pat ws up visiting duluth. My sincere condolences his family and friends.

sabrina tatta

November 13, 2009

Suzy and family, words cannot express the grief and sorrow I feel for your loss. Please let those of us who love you be there for you in the coming years. Much love to you all. xxooSabrina

November 13, 2009

Delphine,
I remember discussing 'sons' with you while working at the 'bb'! Special gifts from God! The Lord must have needed one of the best Home with Him, so he selected Patrick. My sincere sympathy to you and to your family.
love, shari stanek

Kathleen (Vaa) Annala

November 13, 2009

I remember little Pat Duff's bright and feisty spirit from our elementary days at O.L.G. and his fun wit as a teenager. He obviously grew to be a wonderful man and husband. My deepest sympathies to his family.

Jane Meyer

November 12, 2009

I worked with Patrick at Barnes & Noble-Roseville in the "glory days". My first memories are of his crumpled shirt and scruffy face. With time I then learned of his love of literature and his wry sense of humor. He was particularly fond of humor writer and contributer to NPR, David Sedaris. We became closer friends when Pat found his soulmate Suzy and when wedding events (and another co-worker's funeral) brought us together.

I feel so fortunate for the short time I had with Pat, but also feel cheated. I did not get to know him very well and I assumed I would have a chance someday. I will miss him.

My heart goes out to you Suzy and to all of Patrick's family.

Katy Viehman

November 12, 2009

Suzy, I am so sorry about Patrick. He was the best.

Love to you.

Uncle Bob & Rose Olson

November 12, 2009

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Keith Brofsky

November 12, 2009

I had the pleasure of working with Patrick and his colleagues at Fenwick Publishing. He was always so cheerful, thoughtful and kind. What better legacy is there? I'm so grateful I happened to stop by and see him a week before he died. In usual thoughtful style, he then went out of his way to deliver a CD to me the day before he died. I view that simple act as a reminder of how much the little gestures matter. Patrick will live on in my thoughts. My deepest sympathies to Suzy and your family.

Loren & Judy Parsons

November 12, 2009

We are so glad to have met Pat and Suzy. They moved into the house next door and immediately brightened the neighborhood. I think that the fact we ride motorcycles helped us to bond. Pat was a delightful young man and always had a smile and something kind to say. We will miss him.

Elisha Lang

November 12, 2009

Suzy -

You and your family are in my toughts and prayers - I'm so sorry for your loss.

xo

Chris Keating

November 11, 2009

Growing up at Our Lady of Grace, Pat and I shared lots of great times together and while going into junior high we may have become more mischievous the memories in the making kept coming. While Pat and I lost contact after high school the stories of my youth that I now share with my son quite often involve the antics of Pat and me. While I am regretful that we lost touch it sounds as if he was in a wonderful place and my heartfelt sympathies go out to Delphine and her family and to his wife. May God bring you all comfort knowing that Pat is with him now.

Mark Slade

November 11, 2009

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Duff family and Suzy and her family. I haven't had the opportunity to see Pat probably since jr. high, but I still can remember what a great guy he was. It always seems unfair how some of the best go way before it is time. I remember Pat fondly and know he will be greatly missed by all those who knew him well.

Nancy Smith

November 11, 2009

Dear Delphine,

Thinking of you each day and praying your heart is finding strength in God's promises for Patrick's eternity. We love you.

Your friend, Nancy

Andrew Pinkham

November 11, 2009

I have not seen Pat since high school. His character, sense of humor, and loyalty to his friends left a strong impression with me. I am so sorry for his wife, family and friends. The world lost a good man.
Andrew Pinkham.

November 11, 2009

We are so sorry about this horrible loss- Pat was a great person and will be missed by many people. We send love and condolences to his family, friends and his wife Suzy. Annie and Martin Hoff

November 11, 2009

Our prayes are with you Suzy. As you travel this horribly long road, God will walk with you. May your wonderful memories bring you peace. Love and hugs, Deanna and Ron, Grand Forks, ND

joe yurecko

November 11, 2009

Rest in peace Patrick my boy, even though it's been a while, you'll be missed.

November 11, 2009

Dear Delphine, I'm so very sorry to hear about your boy. Wishing you strength, sending you love,

Peg McQuillan

Patty Lewis

November 11, 2009

Pat was truly one of my most favorite young man that was a huge part of our family for many years. His sense of humor and kindness were always front and center. An angel has left this world far too soon. Love to all his family. Patty Fee Lewis

Frank and Marlene Schafer

November 10, 2009

We were so saddened to hear of Patrick's passing and wish to extend our sympathy as you try to cope with this huge loss. He will always be a fond memory to us as he took the teasing when he came to hunt pheasant and how we enjoyed having him our our home in Huron, SD. He was a joy to be around.
Frank and Marlene Schafer Mitchell, SD

Aaron Levine

November 10, 2009

Pat was a great friend and helped shape the person I am today. I have some great memories growing up, we had a lot of fun and wreaked a lot of havoc together. A great person to be around and I wish we would have stayed in touch after High School.

Britt Balfe

November 10, 2009

Words cannot describe Pat Duff. His humor, sarcasm and ability to make people laugh was greatly appreciated. He was kind at the core and a great friend to his friends. Duff grew and changed over the years. He was in such a good place with his wife and his life in washington. Our thoughts are with suzy and his family at this difficult time.

Linda Jacobson-Thompson

November 10, 2009

It was way to soon to have to say goodbye to Patrick.
I know that your journey will be hard Suzy.
You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Ashleigh & Sophia Yoerks

November 10, 2009

The guy who taught me the importance of Billy Joel. ;) I will never forget the nights of singing and laughing. Your kind heart, compassion towards others and humor will be missed by everyone. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

Nicholas Montgomery

November 10, 2009

I will never forget Patrick's sense of humor, quick wit, and intelligence. He was a passionate person and a great friend. I still cannot believe he is gone. Our thoughts and prayers are with Suzy and the rest of his family.

November 10, 2009

I didn't personally know Pat very well but I do know how much of an impact he had on my brother's life and how much he will be missed by his family and friends. What a terrible loss for so many. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kristen (Lindemann) Pratt

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