Obituary of Rodney Duffell

Rodney Duffell
July 30, 1948 - October 23, 2025

Our beloved Rodney Alexander Duffell passed away peacefully on the evening of Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 with his two daughters supporting him.

Rod lived to age 77, spending his last 4 years in beautiful Corner Brook, Newfoundland, close to his daughters and grandchildren. Thank you to all the nurses who cared for him deeply in the Long Term Care hospital here in Corner Brook; always trying to cheer him up with jokes and flattery.

Rodney (most called him Rod) was born July 30th, 1948 in Ottawa, ON, to Stanley Duffell and Edith Duffell (nee Rogers). He was the pesky and lovable younger brother of Diane Chiasson (nee Duffell). He lived his life in Ottawa and had many important milestones there, including a 22-year relationship and marriage in 1979 to the mother of his children, Lucille Jodoin, and the births of both his daughters; Lauren in 1985 and Alison in 1987. Later, he had a 15 year relationship with Marriette Jacques; she and her children became important members of our family.

He loved computers and research and spent the peak of his career as the Manager of Disaster Recovery for the Federal Government. He always encouraged his daughters to research life’s questions, even pulling out encyclopaedias and maps at the dinner table to answer their many curiosities. When Rod was young he loved cars, driving, dancing, photography & fine dining. As his Parkinson’s disease progressed he became more introverted and quiet, but always prioritized being a thoughtful and loving father. He still loved cooking for his family and playing games, especially bridge, backgammon, and crib. His love of good food, and his classic style of leather jackets, gloves and hats remained through life. One of his passions was classical music, as well as jazz and blues. He played the piano for as long as he could and had perfected many pieces including Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig Van Beethoven. Rodney’s personality was always polite, thoughtful, and poised, although he loved a good laugh and was the king of puns and Dad jokes. His laughter and smile will always be remembered.

He has now rejoined his parents and sister where he can dance and fly, free from his painful body. Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life in a cozy gathering at Filatre's Funeral Home at 218 Curling Street in Corner Brook on Sunday, November 9th from 2-4 pm. A funeral and inurnment ceremony will be held in Ottawa in July, 2026.