Duke, Donald Anthony
Lt Colonel (Indian Army)
1912 to 2017
Lt Colonel Donald Duke, the patriarch of the Duke family and one of the last surviving World War II (WW II) veterans, passed away peacefully in Waterloo on January 8, 2017. He was Predeceased by his wife Patricia Eileen Duke (October 1, 2010) and by his identical twin brother Oscar (Ossy) Duke (January 11, 2015).
During the 2nd World War, Donald fought with the British Army in the Middle East and North Africa. He later joined the Indian Army, (EME), did his Engineering degree course and went on to command the country’s largest Base Workshops overhauling the famous Centurion tanks and trucks. He retired in Dec 1964 as a highly respected Lt Colonel.
Donald, after he left the Army, was offered the position of Chief Engineer of the Andhra Pradesh State Transport Corporation. In less than 18 months, he converted the Corporation’s bus overhauling system, bringing it to the assembly process. There by more than doubling the output.
On his wife’s request, to be with their eldest son Errol, he immigrated to Canada in 1966 and joined a US aircraft manufacturing company “Abex”, making F 16 landing gear in Canada. He headed the Quality Control Team till the company relocated to the US. The company offered him the same position in the US, which he politely declined as his love for Canada did not permit him to leave.
Soon after qualifying in Nuclear Construction Engineering, he completed the national Nuclear Board exams at Ottawa and worked with Babcock and Wilcox (Nuclear Boilers) Cambridge, until he retired for a second time.
His indomitable spirit kept him actively working until the age of 80.
Donald’s family and friends admire him for the way he single handedly looked after his beloved wife, Patricia when she was suffering from cancer, even though he was in his 90s.
He was a Justin Trudeau fan and had full faith in him, he voted for Trudeau’s party at every election.
Right up to his last days he was a regular at St. Michael’s Church, Waterloo and the Waterloo Recreation Center on Father David Bauer Drive, he encouraged people to keep walking and cherished his numerous friends, well wishers and admirers.
At a hundred and two years of age Donald’s adventurous spirit kicked in yet again and he traveled to U.K. to spend time with his son Donald and his 3 younger brothers. He then traveled all the way to Dubai to celebrate his 102nd birthday with his son George and his family. Being a God loving and a practicing Christian Donald decided to end his 3 month long tour with a week in Rome and the Vatican which he truly enjoyed.
Donald’s family and close friends celebrated his 104th Birthday at home on December 26th, 2016 at Waterloo.
Donald Duke and his twin brother Ossy Duke, were one of the world’s oldest living “male identical twins” till the passing of Oscar in January 2015. At 104 years, Donald is presumed to be the oldest driver in Ontario, if not in all of Canada. He was out driving on Saturday, the day before he passed away, with his driving license valid till May 2018 along with an impeccable driving record.
Donald lived a wonderful, beautiful life, his loving nature, positive attitude, daily meditation and prayer kept him strong and steadfast to the last day. One of his finest gifts was that he had friends of all ages and truly cherished their friendships.
One of his favourite quotes was “ GOD IS LOVE” and it will ring in the hearts and minds of everyone he knew forever.
He leaves behind his three sons
Errol Duke (Susan) – George Duke (Komal) – Donald Duke (Susanne)
9 Grand children, of whom, Lee Duke he treated as a son, great grand children and great great grand children, his sister Ouida (Kitchener) and brothers George Duke, Ashley Duke and Leslie Duke (UK)
Special thanks to the many people who were close to Donald and spoke to him or visited him regularly, a special thanks to Hans and Marianne Hille, Shreesh & Shobhana Ranjit and Kathy Shaw and to the Community Support Connections, Meals on Wheels and the several volunteers who delivered meals to him every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He always looked out to meet the volunteers who all became his friends and well wishers. Special thanks to Fr. David Walter and Rev. Philip Fernandez.
A family and friends viewing will take place at 12 noon on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St. Kitchener (519) 749-8467.
Followed by procession to St. Michael’s Church, 240 Hemlock St., Waterloo for a Funeral Mass at 1 pm. Interment Parkview cemetery followed by a reception in the church hall.
As expressions of sympathy donations to St. Michael’s Africa Project would be appreciated by Donald’s family (cards are available at the funeral home and St. Michael’s Church).
Visit www.henrywalser.com for Donald’s memorial.

Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Donald Anthony
Duke – 2017.source

death notice Donald Anthony
Duke – 2017 – mortuary notice Donald Anthony
Duke – 2017