Armand Michael Duclos

Even though his Stage IV Lung Cancer Dx was not curative - his hope for more time, was always the plan.

He so loved life, and as all who knew him - he lived it fully and that surely is an understatement.

His place of passing was Sunrise Assisted Living of West Bloomfield with hospice attending - just blocks from his home of 35 years. This allowed his lifelong friends - who were his true family - in how they loved, and accepted him, to visit, in his very short 2 days there, and they came...

This man had a very engaging smile that was his trademark, along with a contagious laugh. He also had a most inciteful sense of humor - pretty targeted to the person or situation. He recently joked that the only time he ever won the 'lottery' was when he was drafted into the Army.

He was born on his father's birthday so they shared a date, as well as a name. As to his name: He was legally Armand Michael but as a tiny infant was renamed by a visiting aunt - Michel - the French for Michael, which his family called him for his entire life.

In high school he became 'Duke' a nickname for Duclos - and this handle followed him as well. In these later years he preferred Armand, but would answer to all...

He attended St. Mary's of Redford through high school. Then following graduation was drafted into the Army from 1972-1974, and was stationed in Germany. His leave time while there allowed travel to France, England and Spain.

Upon returning home he became a business owner with the purchase of Humphrey Typewriter from Bill Szafranski, the father of his high school sweetheart Diane. They were family to him.

He, on the G.I. Bill, attended classes at Oakland Community College towards an Associate Degree. Later, he worked for Commerce Industries and other smaller company forums. Ultimately, he became Vice President of Ryson Tube, in Brighton, where his particular skill set served him well. In semi-retirement he worked in the restaurant industry, at the Beach Tiki Bar in many different capacities.

He like each of us had challenges. He was given a significant depression Dx to include a bi-polar disorder, along with a family alcoholic gene. These 2 challenges colored his lifestyle choices, not always to his benefit. His young adult years were fruitful. He enjoyed his boating life on Upper Straits Lake, his motorcycle - a Triumph, and always drove a Dodge Conversion Van. Later he added a Corvette to his collection, his pride and joy.

He frequented the area casinos and blackjack was his game!

He never married but had several significant relationships and was supportive in being a fun father and uncle figure to several youngsters, Barbie, Robbie, Kevin and Kelley.

Last fall he took a 17,000 mile 4 month road trip throughout the south and southwest United States to include Laughlin, Nevada and Mardi Gras in New Orleans, both of which were favorite stops. He had saved a significant sum to accomplish this - during COVID - he with his French Canadian work ethic worked probably 'double' time. Other travels included St. Thomas, Paris, Monaco, Nice and Quebec - these with family.

Through this cancer Dx and journey he remained true to himself, making his own choices. A hospital care manager said of him - he was very much his own person, and that he was.

We lost someone special from our lives and now we strive to hold dearly those things that will remind us of who he was. He served his country. He had a 'joie de vivre' that came from his mother's side of the family. He always saw his glass as half full. He reached out to help people, giving freely of his time and possessions. He was likeable and approachable, even with strangers, with his self proclaimed 'savoir faire' personality and his engaging smile. His positivity, even during his final days. He wanted to have a wake before he passed away, because.. he wanted to be at the party. These are some of the memories Armand/Michel/Duke implanted in our hearts.

In closing, he was born May 5, 1952 and left us on November 6, 2022 at the age of 70. His father Armand, mother Jeannette, and his godson and nephew Dean, preceded him.

His remaining family are his sister Renée and brother-in-law Val, his brother Edward 'Eddie' Rondeau, sister-in-law Joyce and his 4 nieces Suzi (Andrew), Patty (Jim), Lynnie (Katy), Lori (Jason), and 2 great nephews Ryan, and Nathan.

Also, many dear cousins in Michigan and Quebec, with special mention of cousin Terry whose support was - well without limits. Plus his kindred family of friends always there for him...

So many thanks to go around, beginning with Compassus Home Care and dear Brittany who cared for and bonded with Armand, giving he and I inner peace. To Sunrise, and their very heartwarming and caring staff - they were like home. And Bristol Hospice of Grand Blanc - Carly, Audra, and DeShawna who gave new meaning to care and loving support. Immeasurable appreciation for the VA of Ann Arbor and to each and every department and professional we were connected to, and attended by.

A private burial alongside his parents, as was his wish, has taken place with Military Honors and a Committal Prayer Service.

A Celebration of Life service for Armand will be held at a later date and time.

This is 'Houston' signing off.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillfh.com for the Duclos family.