du Fresne, Duncan

Date of death: June 12, 2012

Peacefully in hospital on Tuesday, June 12 with family by his side, aged 82 years.  Loving and cherished husband of 59 beautiful years to Joyce (nee Bennett).  Dear Father of Bruce (Jacqueline) of Colorado Springs, CO,  Valerie Beebe (Ross) of Chilliwack, BC and Laurie Chatigny (Paul) of Ottawa.   Adoring Grandpa to Samantha, Andrea, Clare and Bennett, and three “granddogs,” Deuce,  Auggie and Teddy.  A renowned and much sought after railway historian, author and founding member of the Bytown Railway Society in Ottawa.  Also a retired air traffic controller, Duncan personified everything transportation. When not restoring and running steam locomotives at the Canada Science and Technology Museum, Duncan spent many hours cruising down the Rideau Canal system on his pride and joy, the “Channel Island,” a 36-foot cruiser he built himself.   Duncan will be deeply missed by his family and friends.  Many thanks to the ICU staff at the Ottawa Hospital (General Campus) for their excellent care and compassion.  Friends may visit at the Westboro Chapel of Tubman Funeral Home at 403 Richmond Road on Monday, June 18 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.  A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 19 at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Glebe Ave. near Bank St., at 11 a.m.   Donations to The Ottawa Hospital Foundation – Intensive Care or Nephrology Unit (General Campus) would be appreciated.