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Rudolph Adolphus "Duffy" Johnston

April 22, 2019

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December 5, 1933 - April 22, 2019
With deep sadness, we regretfully announce that Duffy passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side. Born and raised in Lac La Biche, Alberta, the third oldest of nine siblings, he is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Pearl and his 3 children, Peggy, Brad and Patricia (Andrew Fredericks), four grandchildren, James, Jody, Kaleena, Kale and three great-grandchildren, Lily-Anne, Leilani and Jordan.
Duffy was a mink rancher and commercial fisherman on the lakes of northern Alberta. After marrying Pearl they moved to the Fraser Valley where they raised their family in Abbotsford. In 1965, he started at B.C. Hydro as a train conductor in New Westminster and worked there until his retirement in 1982.
Upon his retirement, they co-owned a neighbourhood pub in Prince George for 15 years. After moving to Nanaimo they travelled extensively in their RV. Fascinated with Canadian history, they travelled across Canada and several times to the Yukon, Alaska, N.W.T. and Arctic.
Duffy was an avid sports enthusiast. In Abbotsford he coached kids in both baseball and hockey. He played baseball in his early years, but his true passion was hockey on and off the ice. Starting on the frozen lakes of Alberta, Duffy became a lifelong defenceman highlighted by playing alongside his son Brad for several years in a men's league. Duffy joined "Old Timers" leagues wherever he lived and played in tournaments in Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand and annually to Vernon and Victoria. Duffy proudly achieved his goal of playing hockey into his 80's.
Duffy was very outgoing, striking up conversations wherever he went, always making people smile. We would like to express our gratitude for the heartfelt love and support from his family, friends and neighbourhood - where he was the honorary neighbourhood Grampa.
The Johnston family is grateful to his family doctor and the home care nurses for their excellent care and support.
There will be no service as requested by Duffy and his ashes will be returned to Lac La Biche, Alberta.


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