A prominent entertainer and businessman in Bruce and Grey Counties has lost his battle with cancer.
73 year old Ernie Duff died of brain cancer Thursday at Chesley District Hospital.
A family spokesperson said he died peacefully with family in attendance.
Duff, who owned Duffy’s Restaurant in Southampton, had a passion for singing the jazz standards with a band.
He has been a featured vocalist with the Stardust Big Band for the past 23-years.
Band leader Charlie Bell says Duff never faltered in his dedication to sing the big band favourites wherever there was an audience.
Bell says Duff was the type of person you wanted to be around, if not for the singing, then for the stories he could tell with flair.
He says as busy as Duff was, he always had time for young people who wanted to get ahead in the business–be it musicians or vocalists and Bell says everyone is going to miss that mentoring.
A family spokesperson says the funeral for Ernie Duff will be a private affair as per the wishes of Ernie.
The family will be gathering for a short memorial next week, following cremation.
Duff’s last performance was a tribute to the man at Chesley District High School, featuring Ernie and the Stardust Big Band this past June.
In keeping with Duff’s spirit the concert was free but almost 37 hundred dollars was raised for the Chesley and District Hospital.
Ironically Duff just had his latest CD released and is on sale at Ralph’s Highway Shopette.
It’s called, “If I Never Sing Another Song,” a collection of Ernie Duff’s all time favourite tunes.