Allen 'Duffy' Edward

Allen Lorne “Duffy” Edward, a lifelong resident of the Sault area died Sunday, February 27, 2011 at War Memorial Hospital at the age of 86 surrounded by loving family. He was born in a farm house in Dafter, MI on October 21, 1924 and raised by his Aunt Annie and Uncle Bill Suggitt. He graduated from Brimley High School as Vice President of his class in 1942.Duffy was an infantryman in the U.S. Army, Second Armored Division, and honorably served his country in active combat during World War II. He received the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Battle Star and literally walked across Europe. After the War he returned to the Soo to marry and raise a family with wife Shirley (Baker). They were married 34 years. She still survives him. He worked at Gamble Robinson’s delivering produce for many years before becoming employed as a home fuel delivery driver for Cloverland Oil. He later drove fuel tankers for the same oil company, taking great pride in that profession. After driving tankers he spent several years working at the I-75 Mobile station on the Business Spur where he enjoyed talking with old friends and making new ones. At the age of 80 he retired to spend many happy days feeding his birds, chipmunks and squirrels, traveling with his beloved companion Nancy of 31 years, and enjoying time with family.Duffy was a kind and gentle man with a quick wit and an easy smile. Everyone he met was drawn to his friendly and considerate nature. He was always willing to lend a hand when needed. An enthusiastic duck hunter, boater, captivating storyteller and avid reader, he also sang in the Mary Wood Chorus for many years. He was an active member and recently elected Deacon of the Faith Baptist Church in Dafter. He was a member of Bethel Lodge #358, Free & Accepted Masons for fifty-four years, serving as Worshipful Master in 1965 and 1988. He was a member of the York Rite Bodies of Michigan, Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Marquette and member of Ahmed Shriners in Marquette. A Past President of the Sault Shrine Club, he was selected as Mason of the Year by Bethel Lodge in 1977 and was honored to be Knighted in the St. Bonaventure Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine in 1978.He leaves behind his longtime companion Nancy Nelson and her daughters Lori Nelson (Mark Ausmus) of Atlanta, GA; Sherry Nelson (Allen Seaver) of Saginaw, MI; Kelly Nelson of Orlando, Fl; and Shannon Nelson (Douglas Peterson) of Ann Arbor, MI. He is also survived by his daughter Janice (Donald) Childs of Waterford, MI; sons Randy (Susan) Edward of Cape Coral, FL; Roger (Sandy) Edward of Roscommon, MI; and David (DiAnn) Firack of Pickford, MI. Also surviving are grandchildren Matthew, Daniel, and Benjamin Childs; Katlyn and Travis Edward; Jason (Demoree) Firack; Joshua (Rhonda) Firack; great grandchildren Alec, Ian, Teryn, and Elizabeth Firack; and sister-in-law Shirley (Lee) Edward.He is predeceased by his parents Wellington Ransford and Margaret (Wright) Edward; Aunt Annie Suggitt and Uncle William “Bill” Suggitt who raised him; brothers Stewart, Ira “Ted”, Don, Lee, and sisters Catherine, Margaret (Weir), Elizabeth, and Nina Rae (Baker).Cremation has taken place and a memorial celebration of his life with a Masonic Service will take place 7:30 pm on Friday, March 4, 2011 at Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home, 113 Maple St., Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Visitation will begin at 6:00 pm prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Ahmed Shriners , 128 W. Washington St, Marquette, MI 49855

Tributes

Allen 'Duffy' Edward

October 21, 1924 - February 27, 2011