Duane Gilbert Deford

Duane was a loving and devoted husband to Simone, a proud father to his son Dean and daughter, the late Dena-Marie, and a cherished grandfather (Papa) to Cortney, Cyle (Tamara), Damian (Amanda), the late Chad, and Cody. He was also a treasured great-grandfather (Papa) to Bella, Meadow, Harlee, Hailey, Kaige, Kyrah, and Kaden. Duane was a friend to each and every person he met.

He will be lovingly remembered by his sisters Ivy, Joan (Jim), and Mary (Ken); and his brothers Anthony (Sylvia) and Barry (Kathy).

Duane was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Dever; his daughter, Dena Marie; his grandson, Chad; his sister Bernice (Dale); his brothers Eugene (Francis) and Dever; and his brother-in-law, Henry.

In 1958, Duane joined the Knights of Columbus, where he proudly served as a Third- and Fourth-Degree member. Over 68 years of dedicated service, he helped establish the Squires and Squirettes program in his local chapter and participated in many other initiatives that supported his community and church.

Duane will be fondly remembered as an avid John Deere enthusiast, proudly displaying his antique tractor collection at local parades and Show ’N’ Shine events. Even more than the tractors themselves, he loved showing off the drivers. He was compassionate, jovial, and one of the most kind-hearted men you could ever meet. Duane never hesitated to lend a helping hand to someone in need, nor did he ever miss an opportunity to share a slightly inappropriate joke that left everyone smiling.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 200 Veterans Blvd, Spruce Grove, Alberta T7X 3A5.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Light Up Your Life, 4405 South Park Drive, Stony Plain, Alberta T7Z 2M7.