Michael G. Duff

Dr. Michael G. Duff, 68, of Aurora, entered into Heaven on December 29, 2016 surrounded by family. Michael Gerard Duff was born April 1, 1948 in St. Louis, Missouri to loving parents Thomas Aloysius Duff and Catherine Ann Nestor. Loving Husband of 51 years to Dr. Joyce Duff. Proud Father of Jim (Melissa) Duff, Dr. Jennifer (Shaun) Healy and Jacie Bryant. He was born and raised in St. Louis, MO and attended the Catholic School, Epiphany of our Lord. He was dedicated to the church with aspirations of becoming a priest and was honored to be an altar boy. At the age of 17 he eloped with his childhood sweetheart, Joyce (15) in Waterloo, Illinois, He then volunteered to serve his country by becoming a Marine (Oorah) and was sent to Vietnam where he was wounded in battle receiving the honor of a purple heart by Lieutenant General Victor “Brute” Krulak. Following his service to our country he pursued his education and earned a bachelor of elementary education at University of Missouri (Mizzou) evening college. He accepted a position as an elementary school teacher and reading coordinator (a specialist to help children with difficulties learning to read). Furthering his career he became a principle at Tuba City Public Schools in Tuba City, Arizona on the Navajo-Hopi Native Reservation. While in Tuba City he pursued his master’s degree and doctorate from St. Louis University in Bilingual education. In 1984 he moved his family of 5 to Aurora, CO after his wife sent his application to Cherry Creek Schools, Michael’s dream job. During his career as an elementary school principal with Cherry Creek Schools he was privileged to work with the best teachers, parents, and staff at Independence, Indian Ridge, and Timberline Elementary schools. He retired at the age of 53 to focus on his other passion, writing. As a writer, he wrote wonderful stories about historical characters that included Abraham Lincoln and Daniel Boone. His other interests included reading, writing, backpacking, RVing, and watching sports (Go Broncos). Over the course of his life he spent a lot of quality time with his kids creating fond memories like hiking and rock climbing in Pariah Canyon, fishing at Lee’s Ferry, and also precious time with his beloved grand kiddos. He is also the proud “Pops” to his 9 grandchildren (Jeno, Thomas, Amanda, Mikey, Johnny, Daniel, Allyson, Benjamin, and William) and 4 great grandchildren (Nelly, Sadie, Jayde, and Lucas) and soon to be great grandchildren (Tristan and Caroline)…AND his beloved Marine Mascot, Bull Dog, Amelie. He is proceeded in death by his parents (Thomas and Catherine) and survived by his 6 brothers and sisters: Susan Spann (Jerry), Mary Kay Tuberty (Larry), Betty Pisoni (Thomas), Thomas Duff, Patrick Duff (Janet), Ellen Poniewas (Stan) Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Parish with reception to follow. A Graveside Service at Fort Logan National Cemetery will be held on Friday, March 31, 2017, 2:30 p.m., Staging Area B. Final resting place in our hearts and Fort Logan cemetery. In lieu of flowers consider donations to: ww5.komen.org or bcrfcure.org Mike shared special moments with each and every one of his children, grand and great- grandchildren. “He was the most caring, loving husband for over fifty years, gave me good guidance and helped me to attend Dental School. And I never got his jokes.” Joyce Duff (wife) “He always found time to take me fishing, even though he had no interest in it, such as going to Lee’s Ferry which was a three hour round trip.” Jim Duff (son) “When I first met Mike he not only welcomed me into the family but he immediately treated me as a daughter, loved all of my children, was the glue of our family, The Duff.” Melissa Duff (daughter in-law) “Without my dad’s strong, but gentle encouragement I wouldn’t be the woman I am today. Dad pushed me to become involved in my writer’s group even signing me up for it. Then he encouraged and gave feedback to help me grow. He told me I could follow my dream to become a physician and encouraged and loved me along the way. AND because of my dad, my children’s favorite holiday is St. Patty’s Day…How cool is that!” Jennifer Healy (daughter) “He was not only a father to me, but also to my children. He always told me how proud of me he was and that I could always achieve whatever I set my heart out to do.” Jacie Duff (daughter) “There are a million good things that I can say about him, he was a great role model, had a great big heart with which he loved his family above all and was the personality of our family.” Jeno Duff (grandson) “I’ll never forget the way in which he would spontaneously bust in to song, and could make you feel as though he had known you for years even though it was the first time you had met.” Danielle Duff (granddaughter in-law) “He always spent extra time with me, late nights watching the Simpsons and South Park even when my mom wouldn’t let me. Sharing devils food cookies and sips of Coke for tax.” Thomas Duff (grandson) “I loved how he always was able to make everyone feel happy no matter how he was feeling and without even trying and the way his face lit up whenever one of his children, grand, or great grandchildren paid him a visit, those are the moments that will always be present and cherished in my memories. “ Amanda Healy (granddaughter) “Blessed to have known such a wonderful, kind man. Just seeing how many people mourn for this loss, shows just how truly amazing he was. I’ll forever cherish the memories I have of him.” Rachel Shore (grand-daughter in-law) “One of my favorite times with Grandpa was when I was able to spend the entire summer with Grandma and Grandpa and Grandpa and I would stay up till 3 or 4 in the morning watching old movie (Jeramiah Johnson was my favorite) and talking about his time in the military. I also love the memories of him yelling at us kids in his Irish accent about us eating all of his LUCKY CHARMS!” Mikey Healy (grandson) “He stayed up with me to the wee hours of the early morning watching countless movies and eating unsalted pretzels, and drinking Sprite and Coke.” John Healy (grandson) “He had such a big influence on his entire family however it was most apparent to me in the way in which I could see him in my husband.” Jennifer Healy (granddaughter in-law) “I love the time I was able to spend with Grandpa staying up late, watching movies (Gunga Din), and making the leprechaun traps –those pesky little fellows” Daniel Healy (grandson) “He was a dad as well as a grandpa, doing everything from filling in as my father in the father daughter dance to helping me with my writing homework all through high school.” Allyson Bryant (granddaughter) “He always told me to keep trying and that he was proud of me for trying my best to achieve my goals in school. He was also one of the greatest and most important people to affect my life.” Benjamin Duff (grandson) “My grandpa always went above and beyond to involve me in his life as well be involved in mine.” William Duff (grandson) “He watched cartoons with me, laughed and joked, and let me eat cookies with him.” Sadie Duff “He gave me cool toys, and no matter how he was feeling would let me sit on his lap and play. Most of all he was my buddy Mike.” Jayde Duff (great-granddaughter) “I enjoyed stealing his blankets and sitting on his lap.” Amelie Duff (Bull Dog) Service Information