Duane Martin Fitzsimmons

With profound love, respect and a deep sense of loss we announce the passing of our cherished husband and father at the age of 69 years. After returning from a month-long trip to Bucerias, Mexico with his wife and Christmas Day with his boys, his tired body came to rest at his Island Lake home, after a valiant journey with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA-P).

Left with his loss and a lifetime of memories: his love of 27 years Irene, children Dylan, Timothy and Lewis, Justine (Vince and grand daughter Ellie), sister Cheryl, brother Ron (Melody) and many family members and friends. Duane was predeceased by his father Harold, mother Margaret and older brother Jack.

Duane was a gentle man and loyal friend with a dry sense of wit and humour. He found many of his life lessons from: The Three Stooges, The Simpsons, George Carlin, Seinfeld, Larry David, Red Green and The Trailer Park Boys. He had a passion for music festivals, travel and time with family and close friends. He shared his love of the guitar, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Stones, Beatles, Steve Earle and an eclectic vast collection of music with his sons and many others. He enjoyed time with special interests in the community: Athabasca #230 Air Cadets, River Rats Festival and morning sessions at the pool. He enjoyed lake life with family, walks with the dog, biking, tubing and staying busy as a handyman. He was a patient teacher-mentor of mechanics, driving, boating and building. Duane retired from a long career at ALPAC as a Maintenance Planner/Millwright where he made lifelong friends.

Special thanks to those who Duane (and Irene) came to depend upon for dedicated care: Dr. Michael Smith, Shera, Lindsey, Tammy, Kay, Jon, Marcia, Leia, Albert and Charles. Support from neighbours and close friends and the other “angels who walk the earth” that crossed our path all added to our quality of life together.

Cremation has taken place with a ‘Celebration of Life’ planned for the summer, 2022 in his Island Lake community.

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