Obituary of Donald William Durfy

Donald William Durfy

November 4, 1936 – September 11, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our family patriarch, Donald William Durfy, on September 11, 2024 at Kenny’s Pond Retirement Home, St. John’s, NL.

Don leaves to mourn his wife of 63 years, Eugenie, and children Denise (Dean Sheppard), Robert (Shireen), John (Carol) and Sean (Tracy).  Grandpa has joined his heavenly grandson Willie and will be sorely missed by his cherished grandchildren Stephanie, Michael, Ryan, Conner, Kennedy, Reilly and Matthew.  He also leaves behind his sister, June Durfy, brother in-law Mac Allison and sister-in-law Helen Hiscock. 

Don was born in Sarnia, ON and grew up in Blenheim, ON. He hails from a long line of bakers, who proudly owned Durfy bakeries in the southwestern Ontario area.

After completing high school in Blenheim, he went to work on the lake boats for a short time. He then attended Agar Business College in Ridgetown, Ontario.  After graduating, Don went to work at Canada Packers in Ontario.  He was transferred to Corner Brook for a one-year term as a Manager in 1959 and never left.  After 65 years on the Rock, he was a true Newfoundlander!  He met his future wife Eugenie Ball through friends, and after dating for two years they tied the knot on August 4^th, 1961.

Don progressed through the management ranks of Canada Packers, which led to him being transferred to offices throughout the province.   In the early 70’s, he was persuaded to join forces with a close friend and returned to Corner Brook to become general manager of Sharpe’s Farm (later known as Sharpe Valley Wholesalers); as well as becoming one of the founders/owners of Maritime Brokerage and Distributors Ltd. 

Don was a prominent contributor to the community.  He was a founding member and executive of the Humber Rotary Club, contributing to many local charities for decades. He was an active member of the First United Church congregation on Main Street in Corner Brook for more than 50 years. Don took great joy in serving with the United Church Men’s Club and singing with the men’s choir. Additionally, he was part of the Church’s counting team and enjoyed greeting and seating the congregation as an usher.

He loved watching his local sports teams with his pals – his favourite being the Corner Brook Royals hockey team.  In his 70’s he found a passion for playing the accordion and played with the United Church Accordion Group.  Don will be greatly missed by the communities that he helped build throughout his life. What his family will miss most will be the cribbage games and his great, hearty laugh – everyone wanted to be Grandpa’s partner!

The Family would like to thank the staff of Kenny’s Pond Retirement Home for their compassionate care during the time living at the Home.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Sunday, September 22^nd at 2:00 pm at Barrett’s Funeral Home, 328 Hamilton Avenue, St. John’s NL. The service will be streamed at https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=5b48fff4-30f5-439f-9284-acc97137a009

Donations in Don’s memory can be made to Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador www.eastersealsnl.ca

“If there ever comes a day where we can’t be together, keep me in your heart.  I’ll stay there forever.”    Winnie the Pooh