Obituary of Dennis Richard Duckworth

It is with deep sadness the family of Dennis Richard Duckworth announce his passing on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, Fredericton, NB. Dennis was born on June 23, 1947 in Preston Lancashire England, the son of the late James Duckworth and Audrey Doreen (Ferris) Duckworth. He attended school and apprenticed at Thomas Dryden and Sons in Preston. 

In 1972 Dennis decided to apply for work in Canada and, after receiving offers across Canada, he accepted a position at Saint John Shipbuilding Limited as a journeyman fitter machinist. He quickly moved on to be a Quality Control Inspector, then to Supervisor of Machinery and Engine Spaces. He remained at the shipyard for 28 years until it closed. He then moved to another Irving Shipyard, Steel and Engine Products (STENPRO) in Liverpool, NS, as Special Projects Supervisor. When this yard closed he transferred to Halifax Shipyard in Halifax, NS. He finished his career working for Aecon Fabco in Dartmouth, NS. 

Dennis loved the open spaces of the Canadian countryside and proudly became a Canadian citizen in 1979. He also loved motorcycles, especially fast ones. Before coming to Canada he raced in the 1970 and 1971 Isle of Man Grand Prix. He also loved fishing and helped his granddaughter, Avah and grandson, Jack catch their first fish. This was his favourite time of year and he happily spent a lot of his time hunting and walking the woods in the Cambridge Narrows area. He was a proud member of “The Cambridge Narrows Rangers”, a very casual hunting group. Dennis was also artistic and enjoyed drawing and painting. He was a skilled woodworker and maintained a workshop at home. If someone could show him a picture of what they wanted he would design and build it for them, especially furniture. Dennis also belonged to the Hampton Legion and was an avid dart player. 

Dennis is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marlene (Nisbet) Duckworth; one daughter, Sara Meagan Magill; son-in-law, Paul Magill; much loved grandchildren, granddaughter, Avah Hood; grandsons, Jack Hood, Edwin Magill and Kieran Magill all of Fredericton; a brother, David Duckworth; sister-in-law, Anita Duckworth; nephews, David and Alan Duckworth and their families and cousins all in England; brother-in-law, Tom Nisbet of Cambridge Narrows, NB; sisters-in-law, Janet Nisbet of Saint John, NB and Sandra DiGiannantonio (John) of Grand Blanc, MI; nephew, Michael DiGiannantonio of CA; and niece, Heather DiGiannantonio of KY.

The family would like to extend deep thanks and appreciation to the radiation and oncology departments of the Saint John Regional Hospital, the staff of 4 Northwest at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, and especially Dr. Eric Rideout, Dr. Ann Collins, Dr. Sainz and RNs Bernie, Paolo, Wanda and Tara for their compassionate care of Dennis, Marlene and Sara the last difficult three days. 

A reception to celebrate Dennis' life will be held at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton, NB on Friday, October 11, 2024 from 2 - 4pm. Interment will take place at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart & Stroke Foudation. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com