God, Country, Family DUFFY , Col. William D. (Ret) "Bill" "Papa" Our cherished husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and four children on Friday, May 16th in Spokane, WA. Bill was born on February 9, 1930 to William O. and Mary E. Duffy in San Francisco, CA. While attending the University of San Francisco (1947-1951), he served as Student Body President, graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Philosophy and was awarded a Regular Army Commission. During his 26 years of active military service, Bill held various assignments in Korea, Germany, Vietnam, and several stateside locations including being the Professor of Military Science at Gonzaga University from 1973-1976. His most noteworthy service was as Battalion Commander of the 1st Battalion, 92nd Field Artillery during combat operations in Vietnam from 1970 - 1971. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (two), Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (four), Army Air Medal and Parachutist Badge. His proudest moments were issuing the oath of office to his two sons and his grandson when they were commissioned as Army Lieutenants. Following his retirement from the United States Army in 1977, Bill spent 15 years as the Director of Government Relations at Gonzaga University. During his tenure, he secured over $47 million in federal grants to expand educational programs at the University, most significantly the construction of the Foley Center Library. Bill served in many community organizations, including the Spokane Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees and its Higher Education Committee; Momentum Coordination Committee; Spokane Chapter of The Retired Officers' Association; the Board of Hospice Maranatha (Hospice of Spokane); Valley Hospital Foundation Board; Rotary Club 21 and Spokane Valley Sunrise Rotary Club. He was an active member of the Spokane Club and the Manito Golf and Country Club. Although he was very proud of his many professional accomplishments, nothing was more important to him than his family. Bill married the love of his life, Susan Houx, in June, 1951. Their 63 years of marriage, strengthened by their devout Catholic faith, were a reflection of their love, devotion and dedication to each other. They were blessed with five children, twelve grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Bill is survived by his wife, Sue, and their children and spouses -- Cindy and Dennis McMullen, Tim and Lisa Duffy, Claudia and Andy Porter, and Terry Duffy; also by his grandchildren Amy, Ryan, Carrie, Suzi, Katie, Steve, Sarah, Danny, Molly, Cole, Lauren and Jack, and 8 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Cecelia, Gerald and Lawrence and his infant daughter, Mary Ruth. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Sacred Heart Medical Center, Touchmark on Southhill, Gentiva Health Services, and the nurses at Valley General Hospital for the loving care they provided Bill during his final months. The Committal Service with military honors will take place at 3:00pm on Friday, May 23, 2014 at the WA State Veterans Cemetery, 21702 W. Espanola Rd., Medical Lake, WA. A vigil will follow at 7:00pm that evening at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 3327 S. Perry St., Spokane, WA. A Memorial Mass will take place at 11:00am on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at the same location. In lieu of flowers, Bill requested that donations be made to the Gonzaga University Scholarship Fund or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

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Published by Spokesman-Review on May 21, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Col. DUFFY

7 Entries

Terry Duffy

June 8, 2014

It has been three weeks since my Dad passed. The 3 ceremonies we offered to his honor were beautiful. We were surrounded by friends and family honoring his truly magnificent life. I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to speak about his final 48 hours with those who attended his Vigil Mass. My Dad provided me, and my family, in his final hours, a genuine reassurance that there is a God with a multitude of angles watching over us daily.

Dad had been ill for quite a long time. 5 ½ years of repeated trips to the ER for pneumonia and other obstacles. Once released from ER, Dad went to Touchmark Rehabilitation Center for physical therapy and recovery. He was a constant champion… always did the work, and strived to improve his strength and mobility. On May 13 his weary body just gave out, although his spirit and presence of clarity never waned for a moment.

Here is Dad's final gift to our family: We arrived as quickly as we could to be by Dad's side. He was sedated and sleeping peacefully. Mom, our beautiful strong mother was at his side… as always. As the night progressed into morning, the doctor explained that there was no medical solution or aid for Dad and we needed to make a decision about his quality of life. Dad had already determined he did not want measures to revive. We honored that request. So the medical staff removed the medication that was allowing Dad to continue. It could be 5 minutes, 5 hours, 5 days … we did not know, but sat there watching for Dad to pass.

My sister Claudia sang to Dad (old favorites Dad sang to us. “Ragtime Cowboy Joe” and “Rosie”). Dad's foot tapped along as he slept. (Angel Blessing #1)

At eight o'clock he woke. (Angel Blessing #2). He was a bit disoriented but quickly regained full awareness of coming to the hospital. We never imagined we would have the opportunity to talk with Dad again. There he was… fully aware of us, and our commitment to him.

He drifted off to sleep about a half hour later. Fr. Bell arrived at 10am to administer the Sacrament for the Sick. Dad was asleep, but acknowledged Father as he was anointed with oil. Father Bell asked the family to join hands and say the Lord's Prayer. We were not even able to get “Our”… out of our mouths when Dad awoke fully and said the Lord's Prayer with us. When it was completed, Dad drifted back into sleep. (Angel Blessing #3).

For the next hours Dad came back to us. Held wonderful, meaningful, personal conversations with each of us individually and in-group conversations. He took phone calls from grandchildren and family… and made sure to tell each of them that he loved them and was very proud of them.

I stayed the night with Mom and watched over Dad while Mom tried to sleep. He and I had wonderful conversations. Best of all, he requested ice cream. He savored every taste and asked for more. Each time he re-awoke he asked for ice cream. We happily provided it to him.

In the final hours Dad slept. Each time he woke, he professed his love to my mother. They reminisced of first dates and friends and places their life took them. Dad promised he “would pick out a beautiful house for Mom and wait for her”.

Dad's breathing started to take a noticeable change and we gathered around him in a circle of family and love. Dad had taken care of everything. He checked every block. We told him that we loved him and it was okay to go. Silently, peacefully, with his family around him he did.

I stayed with my Dad (never leave a fallen soldier) and attended to him. I dressed the sheet over him and gave him a final salute. I said my goodbye. I played Dad's favorite songs on my phone for him, and watched as the two young men from Thornhill carefully and respectfully prepared Dad for transfer.

Dad gave us the strength, during his final hours, to host 3 celebrations of his life with pride, happiness and in a genuine state of grace.

His last request to my sisters and I are words all of us should strive towards: “Be loving to each other. Let past differences go and enjoy being a family. Don't jump to conclusions or read into things. Support each other and maintain a loving heart. Comfort and care for your Mother. Accept, and offer a good heart to others, always.”

Dad lead an incredible life. I'm sure that in his final moments he asked his Guardian Angel “should I be afraid?” The response without doubt was “Not a man like you”.

Joe Kelly

May 23, 2014

Bill/Sue;I so appreciated and feel blessed about our recent warm and wonderful visit. I always had such great respect for you and appreciated your many kindnesses to me and my son Joe jr.blessings and peace to all of the Duffy family. Joe kelly

Michael Moran

May 22, 2014

On behalf of myself and Col. John P. Moran we would offer our prayers and best wishes to the family. Col. Duffy was PMS at Gonzaga when John applied to ROTC. I met Mr. Duffy in retirement, but am quite proud of the contributions of both he and all of your family have made for our nation. Thank you and God Bless.
John P. & Michael M. Moran

Lisa and Lauren Holloway-Duffy

May 22, 2014

Bill was so good to so many. And so many knew him in different ways. I knew the man who fiercely loved his family. There were those who knew the "warrior" and those that knew the loyal Catholic man. For all who will miss his presence in their lives I wish healing love and the promise of seeing one another again with God. May he enjoy great health and peace with The Lord. Sending all our love.

May 22, 2014

To the Duffy family: Howard and I are praying for you. Bill was a wonderful example in Ryan's and our lives as we raised him. He always made us feel like a part of the family. God bless you as you go through this time of sorrow and loss. Love, Howard and Lori

Dan&Karen Burgard

May 21, 2014

We keep the whole family in our thoughts and prayers.

May 21, 2014

All our thoughts and prayers are with the Duffy family at this time. Bill was a very good man.
The Carson Family, Dave, Sherry and Ann Marie

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