On June 29, 2021, Joseph Carl Dukeshire passed away at home. He had reached the age of 90. He leaves to grieve his loving wife, Joyce, of 65 years; children Kari (Bernie), Kelly (Wendy) and Kris; grandchildren Tighe (Adam), Anya (Toby), Ashley; great- grandchildren Oscar and Freddy; brothers Ken and Leon (Barbara); brother-in-law Bob; his nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Carl was “Duke” much of his life. Born in Caledonia, Queens County, Nova Scotia on Nov 22, 1930, he signed on with the RCMP in Ottawa in 1953. Duke was posted to Saskatchewan where he met Joyce, in nursing training, and they were engaged three months later. They married, Duke in traditional red serge, on June 16, 1956.
Duke was posted to Prince Rupert for two years of general duties, with many stories to take away and a new baby girl, Kari. Next posting was four years in Kimberley, the birthplace of their son, Kelly. Duke went on to serve in Nelson, Whalley, New Westminster, Mission, where son Kris was born, Cloverdale, then Dawson Creek as Officer in Charge, RCMP Headquarters in Ottawa, and finally Victoria where he was commissioned.
Duke began distance cycling in Ottawa and his love of cycling carried on into retirement. He cycled most of Western Europe, New Zealand and across Canada, with Joyce beside him or just behind. Travel was important to Duke and his family, visiting national parks when the children were young, then on to Istanbul, the Mediterranean, Russia, Panama and Alaska in retirement. Life-long friendships were born across Canada and around the world – true treasures.
Duke was a devoted father and husband. He was so very proud of his children, enjoying every moment of the boys’ sports at UVic and on national teams, their accomplishments and careers in the police force, and he felt great pride in his daughter’s career as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He marvelled at the birth of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Duke and Joyce were best friends and partners in every adventure.
At Duke’s request there will be no memorial. Lovingly remembered and deeply missed.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Lori Richardson
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Roy Pickell My deepest sympathies to you Kari – your Dad, Duke, was an old friend. You may recall our short talks about Duke at the Shuswap Vet Clinic. I’m sorry for your loss. Just remember the good times you had, because I know there are many. Duke was a fine man.
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Gloria Michayluk Joyce and family
Saddened to learn of Duke’s passing, his was a long and well lived life. Your name brings back pleasant memories of our time in Mission, it was a long time ago.
May loving memories and time bring peace and comfort to your hearts.
Sincere sympathy- Gloria Michayluk, Courtenay
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Bill Chapman Kelly & Dukeshire Family,
My sincere condolences for your loss. I have many fond memories of Mr. Dukeshire supporting Oak Bay, UVIC and National Team Basketball! First class gentleman.
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Pat Nichol The Nichol Family send their deep condolences to Joyce and family on the passing of Duke. We met Duke and Joyce and Family while playing tennis in Nelson. We had so many good times playing tennis, working on the courts and at Tennis parties. His adventurous spirit, and fun-filled nature will be missed by so many world-wide.
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Mercedes Link Dear Joyce & Family
Sincere condolences. I remember our time in Kimberley and a visit to you both in Mission. Duke was excellent member and a wonderful father. Lots of good memories for me.
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David Caughran Saddened and so sorry to read about Duke’s passing.
My deepest sympathies to the whole family. His memory will most certainly live on through you.Thinking of you in your time of loss.
A life very well played!
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Don Urquhart To Joyce and Family, please accept my sincere condolences in the passing of a great friend, Duke! Always had the greatest respect for him. Great memories from the Mission Detachment days!
Don Urquhart, Kelowna.
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Alex Bolz Dear Kris and Kelly,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your father. Aftter learning a bit about him, I can see how you grew up to be the
great guys that you are.Warmest Regards,
Alex Bolz
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Diana Joyce and family
Gary and I are saddened to hear that Duke has passed away,please accept our sincere condolences
Diana
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Hugh and Leslie Williams To the entire Dukeshire family we convey our deepest sympathies. We are so very sorry for your loss.
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Mike and Sue Chadwick Kari, Kelly and Kris; Sue and I were so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Although it has been a few years since we last spoke, we will always remember how much of a gentleman he was, how proud he was of his family and how he always had a smile on his face and a kind word to share.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your Mom.
Mike and Sue Chadwick
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Scott Currie What a wonderful man! So many great memories of Mr. Dukeshire and his awesome family. I grieve with the Dukeshire family and pray that they sense God’s peace during this time.
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Brian and Faye Currie We were saddened to read about our friend Duke’s passing. We have many many fond memories of our years as neighbours on Elnido Crescent. Our coffee times, ping pong games in our carport, Scott and Todd playing with Chris in many different sports, especially volleyball, and cheering on Kelly and the Vikes. Even after your move from Elnido we were delighted to visit with you from time to time. Duke was such a wonderful man, full of both grace and strength. He was such a pleasure to know him and spend time with him. Our prayers are with you Joyce and your entire family as you morn the loss of your great man. Lots of Love, Brian and Faye
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Rick Gonder I spent many years working with Kelly and through that friendship I met Mr Dukeshire. Duke was immensely proud of his kids and whenever we met, I got an update on their lives.
Fitness is part of the Dukeshire family and I always admired Duke for the many miles he put in cycling locally and abroad. We occasionally crossed paths over coffee and I loved to hear of their latest or planned cycling adventure.
This great man will be missed.
R.I.P. Mr Dukeshire
Joyce, Kelly and family…. On behalf of my family (Murphy’s & Greg & myself, Lori) and being blessed with knowing your family since Ottawa days, our sincerest condolences in the loss of Duke. He was a very special man, always a good friend, willing to help out or support in whatever way he could including being there for our family when our Dad and Mom passed away…. Very sorry to hear of his passing… we have fond memories of a very special man. Our sincerest condolences. Lori (Murphy) Richardson & family.