Harold Duffield, was a man I considered to be a loyal, life long friend, who could be trusted. I met Duff (I knew him by that name, perhaps given to him by his Fireman co-workers) when I lived in Calgary from 1968 until 1987. I'll always remember his kindness and care to me as well as for people who are less fortunate. He cared for the world and its inhabitants.
Some times his life was difficult but I never ever heard him complain about anything. He was a gentle man. He was a man who was thankful and content with what he had. He took each day as it came and went by. He'd have a task planned for the next day and he would work hard to accomplish it.
He loved his home grown produce from his home made hot house. He kept it cosy warm with lots of moisture. I especially remember his large, tasty tomato plants. They would rival any commercial nursery/greenhouse. Some plant stocks grew as tall as halfway up the wall of the side of his house. Unlike my mother, I had never been much of a garden person but he had the patience to introduce me to this part of God's creation, - plants and gardening. I grew to love spending time with his little green babies and watching them grow from a tiny seed to whatever they were meant to be. It was an extra ordinary experience to go outside on a cold wintry day and come back into the house with a selection of ripe, whatever it was, fresh off the vine. The smells from his beloved flowers emitted a sweet, pleasing scent that filled the whole place.
Another passion he had was his home made fermented juice that he coaxed into wine. I was amazed at his patience as he waited for this to become the beverage that he desired and was so delicious with a good meal. He was a pretty good cook to boot.
I will always cherish the years that I had with him, my closest best friend. He came into my life for a reason, when I needed a friend and support. God knows why. I'm grateful that God allowed me to meet him for a time. He was a blessing to those who knew him. He will not be forgotten. He loved his boys.
To his family, Please accept my sincere condolences.
Myrna Harvey-Opper. Regina. Sask.
