HOULTON – Michael A. Duff, 58, died unexpectedly Aug. 24, 2009, at a Bangor hospital. He was born Feb. 18, 1951, the eldest child of Arnold C. Duff and Viola (Cassidy) Duff. As a child growing up in Houlton, Michael attended St. Mary’s Parochial School for eight years and later graduated from Houlton High School, Class of 1969. After graduation, Mike worked in a variety of jobs, later settling in the field of construction management. He also acquired a bachelor’s degree through Regis University. He worked for Marsh, USA, Inc. as vice president of construction, where he stayed up until his retirement in 2007. Mike was revered for his business savvy and knowledge within the construction field. In addition, Mike had published various articles for the Journal of Construction Financial Management. His career allowed him to travel throughout the U.S., Asia and many European countries. He lived in Maine, Colorado, Ohio, Arizona, Hawaii and Oregon. Mike was an avid hunter and fisherman. And like so many “County” folk, he claimed to be able to smell potato harvest within in the air, no matter where he may have ventured. He often stated that his “roots” would always be within Aroostook County. He was grateful for the strong work ethic and solid upbringing that his parents had provided to him. Mike loved his children. He was a father with two beautiful daughters, Heather Guimond and her husband, David, and Kristen Young and her husband, Stephen, all of Fort Fairfield. He was a grandfather to three wonderful and loving grandchildren, Nathan Guimond, Abigail and Sydney Young. Mike is also survived by his mother, Viola (Cassidy) Duff; his brother, Joseph A. Duff and his wife, Brenda; five sisters, Susan “Suzie,” Mary, Molly and Julie “Jules” Duff, and Polly, who is also his goddaughter, and her husband, Todd Hebert, all of Houlton; and his faithful companion, Charlie the dog. In addition, he leaves behind nieces, Kimberly Duff, Sarah Duff, Helen Duff-Hebert and Lucy Duff-Hebert; and nephew, Patrick Duff-Hebert; as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins. Mike also leaves behind three very special friends of the heart, CJ Johns of Missouri, Roy and Jeannie Green of Presque Isle. He was predeceased by his father, Arnold C. Duff; a sister, Lucy A. Duff; his maternal grandparents, Lucy and Henry Cassidy; and paternal grandparents, Hazel and Kenneth Duff. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Friday at Dunn Funeral Home, Houlton, where funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday with Pastor Mark Babin and Deacon Al Burleigh officiating. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Gifts may be made in Michael’s memory to the charity of one’s choice, care of Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730.
MICHAEL A. DUFF
