Michael Duclos

It is with extremely heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Michael James Duclos on January 11, 2021 at the age of 52. He was born May 18, 1968 in Swift Current Saskatchewan to Roger and Linda Duclos. After graduating from Admiral School in June 1986, he moved to Moose Jaw but returned to Cadillac in February of 1987, to rejoin the Cadillac Cougars. Mike worked a few different jobs, including working for local farmers and seismic line locating. He also travelled to the States to custom combine for his Uncle Hector and Auntie Donna. He always dreamed of becoming a pilot, so in 1988 he earned his private pilot license at the Swift Current Airport. He decided to join the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1989, living in different locations across Canada until receiving his Helicopter Wings in 1994.  His first posting was to Edmonton, AB with 408 Tactical Squadron 18 Wing. In 1995, he was deployed overseas to serve his first tour in Haiti. In 1996, Mike and Teri (Kendall) welcomed the arrival of their daughter Skylar, and were married the same year on October 11th in Swift Current, SK. Shortly after their wedding, he was deployed to serve his second tour in Haiti. When he returned to Canada in June of 1997, they welcomed the birth of their son Connor and moved to Portage La Prairie, MB where he worked as helicopter instructor at Canadian Forces Base in Southport. In 2001, they moved to St. Albert, AB where they welcomed the birth of their daughter Summer. In 2003, they moved back to Portage La Prairie, MB. In 2005, they moved to an acreage just north of MacGregor, MB where they remained for almost 12 years. He retired from the Air Force in 2010, continuing as a helicopter pilot instructor at Southport, employed by Canadian Helicopters and the Military Reserves. In 2013, he began flying for STARS based out of Winnipeg. In 2014, he transferred to the STARS base out of Regina where he commuted from MacGregor, and in 2017, Mike and his family made their final move to Saskatoon, SK where he continued to fly for STARS. Mike had many passions and hobbies. All three of his children were his pride and joy and nothing made him happier than spending time with them. He loved coaching their hockey and ball, and attending their school functions and extracurricular activities. He was a talented musician/guitar player, an avid golfer, hockey player and enjoyed playing multiple other sports. He loved his Red Wings and Roughriders.  He had a passion for his motorcycle and was on the road as soon as the weather would allow. He loved socializing and spending time with his friends and family, playing his guitar, enjoying a friendly game of poker and hanging out in the dressing room after hockey. He was always the life of the party, cracking jokes and bringing laughter to every occasion. He was a member of the Saskatoon Veterans UN-NATO Canada Organization/Motorcycle Club. He participated in “The Rolling Barrage” fundraiser bike ride in support of Veterans, Active Duty and First Responders suffering from PTSD and the Motorcycle “Ride for Dad” fundraiser in support of fighting prostate cancer.   

Mike was predeceased by his grandparents Marvin and Dora McCann and Marcel and Cecile Duclos, uncle Hector Cote, brother-in-law Travis Kendall, and father-in-law Tom Kendall.

He is survived by his wife Teri (Kendall) Duclos and children Skylar (Lane Brosinsky), Connor and Summer; Mom and Dad Linda and Roger Duclos; sister Lisa (Marcellin) Entem, nephew Michael (Jamie, children - Tiberius, Freya) Entem, and nieces Jessica (Rudy, children - Kimber, Jase) Heinrichs, and Rebecca Entem; mother-in-law Mabel Kendall; sister-in-law Tracey (Earl) Palaschak, nephews Christopher (Abby, children - Gracey, Tommy, Layla, Cameron) and Colton Palaschak and nieces Chelsea (Justin, children - Grayson, Fraya, Rora) Burnett, Carlie (Ryan, children - Brantley, Barrett) Stuart; sister-in-law Lori Kendall, nieces and nephews Misti (Brandon Gordon), TJ, Dustin, and Sara Kendall; sister-in-law Tonia (Emile) Cherpin, niece and nephew Jasmine and Ethan Cherpin; brother-in-law Tyler (Tania) Kendall, nieces and nephew Takaila (Kade Behm, child - Tenley), Tori, and Tanner Kendall.

Pallbearers will be Earl Palaschak, Marcellin Entem, Emile Cherpin, Tyler Kendall, Christopher Palaschak, George Galloway, Bill Hattum, Greg Chorney, Rodger Lerminiaux, and Jason McKelvy.

Honourary pallbearers will be all of Mike’s closest friends and extended family.

Memorial donations may be given to STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society) at www.foundation.stars.ca , or to the Rolling Barrage for Veterans, Active Duty, and First Responders with PTSD at www.militarymindsinc.com/rolling-barrage/  in memory of Mike.

Mike’s family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to the entire STARS organization, especially to Barry Tolmie, Aviation Base Manager; Cindy Seidl, Provincial Director of Operations; and Andrea Robertson, President and CEO, for all of their support and guidance throughout this most incredibly difficult time. You will never know how thankful we are for everything. You are amazing and we will forever be grateful. Thank you to the first responders that did everything humanly possible to bring Mike back to us. He had so much respect and admiration for you all and was in awe of your incredible talent. He was honoured to be part of your extraordinary team. Thank you to Angelo de Ciutiis for your kindness and going above and beyond to make this difficult time a little bit more manageable. Thank you to the entire military, especially the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force), for their support throughout our wonderful life as members and also at this very sad time. We would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to David Schurr and the entire staff at Mourning Glory Funeral Home in Saskatoon. You have been absolutely amazing and we couldn’t have asked for a better place to take care of our Michael for his final resting. Thank you so very much David.

Mike (Duke) will forever be remembered by his family and friends.

Arrangements in care of Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200.