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Brian Ernest Duke Obituary
After a courageous battle with cancer, Brian was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 21, 2025.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Lynne; his children, Donna Stokes (Sandy) and Christopher Duke (Jill); and his cherished grandchildren, Brandon (Amy), Abbygail, and Carter, as well as step-grandchildren Ella and Olivia. He was a dear brother-in-law to Lee and Nicky James, Leslie James, Larry and Christine James, and Laurel and John Myers. Brian will also be deeply missed by his many nieces and nephews.
Brian was predeceased by his brother, Dr Robert (Bob) Duke, and sister-in-law, Alayne Duke.
As the son of a Royal Canadian Air Force member, Brian lived in many places throughout his life, including Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, Burlington, France, and the United States.
Brian dedicated 35 years of his career to Long Manufacturing (Dana) in Oakville in Advanced Engineering, where he built lasting friendships and took great pride in his work. With his team at Long, Brian contributed to numerous innovations leading to several USA patents on heat exchange coolers. Throughout his career, he was a mentor and leader, always guiding and inspiring those around him with his knowledge, patience, and dedication.
Beyond his professional life, Brian was deeply committed to his family and community. He spent countless hours volunteering in the Scouting movement, coaching and supporting youth hockey and soccer, and ensuring his children and grandchildren made it to every practice, game, and activity. His selflessness and dedication to others left a lasting impact on many young lives.
He was also a devoted and longtime member of St. George’s Diocese of Canada, where his faith played a pivotal role in his life.
Brian will be remembered for his kindness, unwavering love for his family, and dedication to the community. Brian always had a solution for any project, tackling challenges with resourcefulness and a helping hand.
He was happiest at the cottage, on Lac Gilmour, which he designed and built over the years, sharing his skills, knowledge, and talents with his wife, children, and grandchildren. One of his great joys was paddling his beloved, restored Boy Scout green canvas canoe on the lake with the wind behind his back. His presence will be deeply missed, and his legacy of love and generosity will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at Carpenter Hospice for their compassionate care.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at St. George’s Anglican Church, 4691 Palladium Way, Burlington. A service to celebrate Brian’s life will be held Friday, March 28, 2025, starting at 11:00 a.m. at St. George’s Anglican Church, 4691 Palladium Way, Burlington. Refreshments to follow.
In lieu of flowers, Brian requested that donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Society, or Carpenter Hospice in Burlington.
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February 27 1943
March 21 2025
Death notice for the town of: Waterdown, Province: Ontario
death notice Brian Ernest Duke February 27 1943
March 21 2025
obituaries notice Brian Ernest Duke February 27 1943
March 21 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Brian Ernest Duke February 27 1943
March 21 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.