I'm adding links, one at a time unfortunately (Fingers crossed that I post them in order!), that different cousins were thoughtful to "film" during various parts of the service on Monday. Hopefully, I'll have a copy of the programme to upload tomorrow. >;~}

This image, which Suzanne included in the programme she created, was taken just before Papa's unit joined the Battle of the Bulge. Compare it to the image of Ko, posted below, taken around the same time. As Alessandra said, 
" ... two rascalos ...  when they were fighting their wars together on different fronts! Imagine a young Ko meeting that handsome soldier! A boy's hero, indeed!!! " >;~}

I want to add this moving tribute on behalf (& unbeknownst by) my cousin Alessandra's husband, Ko Koedijk, had posted on our family's FB page. >;~}

" That empty feeling will come later when I can not reach him, when I can not hear him, when I can not laugh with him nor hug him because my soul mate Duke is dead.
He was my soul mate because of the circumstances.
During the severe winter of 1944 Duke and I fought a war at the same time together in Europe. Mine was a snowball fight. Me and other Dutch rascals fighting against each other on the German occupied streets of Amsterdam. His was "The Battle of the Bulge", the real war, the real guns and the real US soldiers fighting in the Ardennes against, our mutual enemy-- the Nazis.
Duke was unique. He always remained that child with that special philosophy for life as the greatest refreshment: Loveâ€¦!!! Very much like Picasso it only took him a short time to understand and live life like an adult, but it took his whole lifetime to love and live life like a child ... innocent, clear, and honest. Youth has no age because the soul is indestructible and its activity will continue through eternity.
I will miss his disarming charms and his vivid spirit that struck immediately on to other people. "Are we to love what's on the face, what's inside the face, or what's behind it?" Duke's face announced immediately these answers because they came from inside, behind his face. I shall miss that face and I will always remember that face ... Duke's face ... !!!
Rest in peace my friend, may you find all the answers in your heaven.
Your mate.
Ko "

A great Freemason that will always be remembered.  It was an honor meeting Brother Duke.  He will be missed.  My condolences to all his loved ones he left behind.  RIP Brother

 Duke , honored to have known you and to have the privilege to call you Brother you truly were my Hero. I will miss you my friend .....R.I.P

RIP Uncle Duke!!!! Party hard with your Mrs.! Life everlasting to you both!!
Love, 
Linda

A great man and a great Mason!
He will be sorely missed among the Brotherhood!
Soft and safe to thee my Brother...

Uncle Duke..........I loved you.........you knew it..........I know where you'll spend eternity!

I'll always treasure our last hour together.

Your niece, Jerlyn

Duke Buniff followed his beloved of 65 & 1/2 years - Haydée Buniff (née Rodríguez) - and they are together again, dancing among the stars.  Born on the 29th of June 1917, he passed on at his home in West Hills, California on the 11th of September with his daughter, Kathleen-Mary, at his side.  Having grown up in New Orleans, Duke served in the European Theatre, a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge.  He graduated from both LSU and USC and went onto to become a popular and respected teacher of History and Mathematics though, in truth, he was an accomplished artist and craftsman.  At 89, he followed his father's legacy into the Masonic Brotherhood, eventually completing his 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite.  He is survived by his daughter and dozens of nieces and nephews who looked to him as their patriarch.
Viewing will be held on Sunday, September 16 from 4 to 8 at Gates-Kingsley-Gates in Canoga Park; funeral services will follow on Monday, the 17th, starting at Noon at the San Fernando Mission Church in Mission Hills.  

Floral arrangements welcomed; donations gratefully appreciated.

OBITUARY

Egbert Duke D.N. Buniff

June 29, 1917 – September 11, 2012

Gates, Kingsley & Gates Praiswater Mortuary

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