Obituary of Terry Duffy

Terry Duffy died in his sleep at home on May 10, 2022.  He was born on October 6, 1961, the fourth child of William “Bill” and Susan “Sue” Duffy.  As his father was a career Army officer, Terry traveled often as a child, ultimately coming to the Spokane Valley.  Terry attended Gonzaga Prep, where he played center on the football team, wrestled, and ran track. He attended Gonzaga University, where he dedicated himself to the ROTC program.  He graduated in 1984 with a bachelor's degree and a regular Army commission in the Field Artillery Branch.    Terry was posted to several stateside bases, as well as Korea and Germany.  Most notably, he commanded one of the first units to enter Iraq in Desert Storm.  His unit suffered no fatalities and only one soldier was seriously injured.  Terry stayed with the soldier until he was medevacked from the battlefield.  Terry was awarded the Bronze Star for his valor in Desert Storm. He ultimately attained the rank of Major.  Over the course of his military career, Terry also earned Helicopter Assault Wings, Paratrooper Wings, Ranger Tab, the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, the South West Asia Service Medal with three Campaign Stars, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal.  In civilian life, Terry worked to improve and ease the lives of others in organizations including Character Counts, the Boy Scouts of America and the Alzheimer’s Association.  At the time of his death, he worked for Bell Tower Funeral Home.  The family isvery grateful to Bell Tower for the loving care they have given Terry after death.  Terry was a true Zag in every way.  He was an expert on all members of the Zag basketball team, past and present, in their college and pro careers.  He loved watching the games on television with his parents. After his Dad passed away, he delighted in watching Zag games with his Mom over pizza.  When she passed, he carried on their arm-chair coaching.  The light of Terry’s life was his daughter Lauren.  He treasured his time with her as she grew up and loved her “to the moon, the stars, the clouds, the Big Dipper, and back.”  He was the “Funcle” to 12 nieces and nephews and 13 great nieces and nephews, all of whom brought him great joy.  Terry was a true and devoted friend with a heart of gold.  Whenever anyone needed help, Terry was right there.  He had an amazing sense of humor and constantly reminded us that there is always, always, always a reason to be grateful.  Terry’s funeral will be held Tuesday, June 14th 11AM at St. Aloysius Church in Spokane, and military burial at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Medical Lake are pending. In lieu of flowers, please consider befriending a Veteran or donating to the Gonzaga University ROTC Scholarship fund.