Joe Shelby Duffey

"Gone Flying"

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Joe S. Duffey, 83, died peacefully at home on May 7, 2009, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born on February 6, 1926, in Yuma, Arizona. In 2003, he eloped with his high school sweetheart Suzanne.

A United States Navy Veteran, Joe served in the South Pacific during WWII aboard the Escort Carrier USS Sangamon CVE26. He was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries he received during his service to our country.

Joe worked as a journeyman lineman for many years. His passion for fair and equitable treatment of America's labor force led him to a career as a union representative, serving in various positions in Oregon, Colorado, and Utah. He later worked as a contract negotiator and arbitrator for the National Electric Contractors Association until his retirement in l989.

Joe's love affair with aircraft began at a very young age. He was an accomplished pilot, owning and flying many airplanes throughout his life. He proudly flew the RV3 that he built in his basement during his retirement years.

Joe had a generous heart, caring nature, infectious smile, and a wonderful sense of humor for which he will always be remembered. A man of strong convictions, and always current on the local, national, and international news, he would eagerly engage in a debate with anyone who would accept his challenge. An avid outdoorsman, Joe especially loved camping and fishing. He enjoyed many vacations in British Columbia, at his favorite spot on Babine Lake.

Having a heart for animals, Joe was never without pets. He will be missed by his faithful buddy Munchkin who was always at his side.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline, stepfather Jack Duffey, wives Emily and Harriet.

Joe will be greatly missed by his loving wife (and love of his life), Sue of Salt Lake City, his son, Michael (and wife Donna), grandchildren Michael (and wife Kaila), Riley, and Robby, and great granddaughter Kamber, all of Mount Shasta, CA and we will also be missed by Sue's children: Bob Suedkamp (Nancy) and their children Kimberly (Jason Wells), and Ryan (Meagan); Kathryn Ballenger (Ken) and their children David (Erin), Bethany (Craig Woelber), Jessica, Nathan, Daniel, and Michael; Mark Suedkamp, Paul Suedkamp, and great granddaughter Bella Marie Ballenger; cousin Mary Ellen Le Gendre of Glendale, Arizona and many friends, neighbors, and extended family.

A special thank you to Harmony Hospice, especially Jamie and Dr. Sara Wells. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ambrose Church, 2315 Redondo Ave. (at 1975 South 2300 East), Salt Lake City, Utah 84108 on Friday May 15, at 10:30AM with visitation at the church from 9:00 to l0:30AM. Interment will be at Resthaven Park Cemetery, Glendale, Arizona at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joe's behalf may be made to St. Ambrose Church or to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at: holbrookmortuary@yahoo.com