John Francis Duffield

With saddened hearts we announce the passing of John Francis Duffield on Saturday, October 14th, 2023, in Portage la Prairie surrounded by loved ones at the age of 66.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 38 years Paulette, and daughters Caitlin (Jon) and Jessie. Left to cherish John’s memory are his stepmother Barb Hodgins-Andrushuk; siblings Wade (Kathy), Lynn (Jake), Donna (Gary), Reynald, and Chris; brothers and sisters in-law Celine (Cam), Vivianne, Claudette (Larry), Dennis (Valerie), Rolande (Harvey), Emily (Ron), Maurice (Michelle), Carol (Blaine), Richard (Roxanne), Tim, and Donna, along with many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his mother Claudette Andrushuk, father George Andrushuk, brother Ken, mother in-law Fern, father in-law Henri, nephew Darrell, brothers-in-law Rheal and Larry, and sisters-in-law Diane and Kathy.

Born in Sussex, New Brunswick, John grew up in the countryside of southern Manitoba, lived in Regina as a young man, and moved back to Portage la Prairie where he met and married his wife, Polly. He was a lifelong mechanic and welder, who could fix anything on wheels from cars to heavy machinery; a favorite pastime of his was building a ’48 Chevy truck. He could often be found in the garage working on a project or having a coffee with family and friends, ATVing, volunteering his time with Habitat for Humanity, going for drives to small towns for a good burger, or spending time with ‘his girls’ and their family Labradors. He was known to joke around, and would help those in need at the drop of a hat.

A special thanks to Portage Home Care, Southern Health Palliative Care, and his team of doctors and nurses at the Grace Hospital and Portage District General Hospital for all of their support.

A celebration of life will be held privately.

As an expression of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in John’s memory to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation 675 McDermot Ave #1160, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021