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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Duffy, Col. William D. (Ret) “Bill” “Papa”

Age 84

God, Country, Family DUFFY , Col. William D. (Ret) “Bill” “Papa” Our cherished husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and four children on Friday, May 16th in Spokane, WA.

Bill was born on February 9, 1930 to William O. and Mary E. Duffy in San Francisco, CA.

While attending the University of San Francisco (1947-1951), he served as Student Body President, graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Philosophy and was awarded a Regular Army Commission.

During his 26 years of active military service, Bill held various assignments in Korea, Germany, Vietnam, and several stateside locations including being the Professor of Military Science at Gonzaga University from 1973-1976.

His most noteworthy service was as Battalion Commander of the 1st Battalion, 92nd Field Artillery during combat operations in Vietnam from 1970 - 1971.

His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (two), Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (four), Army Air Medal and Parachutist Badge.

His proudest moments were issuing the oath of office to his two sons and his grandson when they were commissioned as Army Lieutenants.

Following his retirement from the United States Army in 1977, Bill spent 15 years as the Director of Government Relations at Gonzaga University.

During his tenure, he secured over $47 million in federal grants to expand educational programs at the University, most significantly the construction of the Foley Center Library.

Bill served in many community organizations, including the Spokane Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees and its Higher Education Committee; Momentum Coordination Committee; Spokane Chapter of The Retired Officers’ Association; the Board of Hospice Maranatha (Hospice of Spokane); Valley Hospital Foundation Board; Rotary Club 21 and Spokane Valley Sunrise Rotary Club.

He was an active member of the Spokane Club and the Manito Golf and Country Club.

Although he was very proud of his many professional accomplishments, nothing was more important to him than his family.

Bill married the love of his life, Susan Houx, in June, 1951.

Their 63 years of marriage, strengthened by their devout Catholic faith, were a reflection of their love, devotion and dedication to each other.

They were blessed with five children, twelve grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sue, and their children and spouses — Cindy and Dennis McMullen, Tim and Lisa Duffy, Claudia and Andy Porter, and Terry Duffy; also by his grandchildren Amy, Ryan, Carrie, Suzi, Katie, Steve, Sarah, Danny, Molly, Cole, Lauren and Jack, and 8 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Cecelia, Gerald and Lawrence and his infant daughter, Mary Ruth.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Sacred Heart Medical Center, Touchmark on Southhill, Gentiva Health Services, and the nurses at Valley General Hospital for the loving care they provided Bill during his final months.

The Committal Service with military honors will take place at 3:00pm on Friday, May 23, 2014 at the WA State Veterans Cemetery, 21702 W. Espanola Rd., Medical Lake, WA.

A vigil will follow at 7:00pm that evening at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 3327 S. Perry St., Spokane, WA.

A Memorial Mass will take place at 11:00am on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, Bill requested that donations be made to the Gonzaga University Scholarship Fund or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.