Duke was born on Wednesday, August 30, 1939 in the small Saskatchewan community of Beinfait, Saskatchewan to Ukrainian immigrants John & Annie Dutkiewicz. Many of Duke’s early years were spent in a Catholic orphanage in Ituna, Saskatchewan. Duke’s lifelong love of hockey started here playing shinny on the frozen ponds. In time, Duke started spending summers away from the orphanage at the Oleynik farm near Wroxton, Saskatchewan, along with his brother Joe. The Oleyniks were friends of the family from the Ukraine, and remain dear to the Dutkiewicz family. The Oleyniks were critical in developing Duke’s work ethic as well as his sense of family. These are the qualities that made him the man loved and admired by many, and the qualities that he shared with the countless lives he touched. Duke attended St. Joseph’s Collegiate in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.While at St. Joe’s, Duke became involved in the cadets and the militia, whichhoned both his discipline and strength of character. He served a Drill Sergeant in the militia, and remained proud of this throughout his life. While at St. Joe’s Duke was presented with the opportunity to join the seminary, but knew that his calling was elsewhere. Duke established independence at age 15 and supported himself with three jobs while going to school. He dispatched cabs, pulled wrenches and drove truck throughout central Saskatchewan. After graduation from St. Joe’s he drove truck for a few years before starting his retail career with Metropolitan Stores Ltd., in Yorkton, SK. In 1965, Duke met his future bride through mutual friends in Calgary. In 1966, Duke was transferred to Leamington, Ontario. Faye followed later that year and proposed to Duke that fall. They were married January 14, 1967. In Leamington, Duke played league and coached minor hockey. Soon afterward, the newlyweds were transferred to Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Duke and his family continue to move with the Met Stores, living in North Battleford, Yorkton and Quesnel. In October 1975, the family relocated for a planned three year stint to The Pas, Manitoba. At age 41, in 1986 Duke left his employer of almost 25 years and began another career managing the Otineka Mall. The next 24 years were spent working with Paskwayak Business Development Corporation in various positions, to develop and manage several businesses, most recognizably the IGA. After “slowing down” in his “retirement” Duke joined the Royal Canadian Legion and The Pas Rotary Club, spending countless hours volunteering in the community. He could be seen marching in parades, selling poppies, delivering Meals on Wheels, working with MSOS, dishing out Lobster or helping to drill holes in the ice for the Bill Bannock Fishing Derby. After a valiant battle with cancer, Duke passed away peacefully, with his son at his side, on Monday, February 21, 2011 at St. Anthony’s Hospital, The Pas, Manitoba, age 71 years. Duke was predeceased by his parents, John & Annie; brothers, William, Wrally & Joe; sister Olia. He is survived by his youngest sibling, sister Betty. Left to forever cherish his memory are his wife of 44 years, Faye; his daughter Bonita and her husband, James Lane; his son Kory and his wife Jana and Duke’s grandson Kian. In keeping with Duke’s wishes, cremation took place and a service of remembrance to celebrate Duke’s life was held Saturday, February 26, 2011, 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, The Pas, Manitoba with Rev. Paul Bringleson officiating. Co-celebrants were Rev. Bill Stang and Father Djura Maljik. Music ministry was provided by Tanis Asselstine, Sue Harper, Jana Dutkiewicz and Andrew Legeny. Readings were proclaimed by Umberto Willner, Elsie Reid and Glenda Streifel. A Legion tribute was lead by Comrade Murray Harvey of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #19, The Pas. Honor Guard was the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #19 and The Pas Rotary Club. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Pas Health Complex Foundation, Inc., Memorial Fund, Palliative Care Division, Box 541, The Pas, Manitoba R9A 1K4 or CancerCare Manitoba, ON1160 – 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0V9, would be appreciated by Duke’s family.