Oblate News

Les Duff 1920-2020: Honorary Oblate

On 6th May 2020, Les had a lovely 100th birthday celebration at Nazareth House care home in Birkenhead. There was entertainments, cake and bubbly.  Les’s room was decorated with banners & balloons as he sat  in  his trademark battered old cap. He received flowers from Unilever, where he worked all his life & many cards from family and friends. And of course, a special card from the Queen.

Sadly on 18th May, Les was called home by his loving God whom he sought to serve his whole life.

Les was born in Dublin although he never knew why, he suspects his mum went to visit her sister.  He came back to Rock Ferry, Merseyside when a few days old .. Les lived in the same house in Derby Road, Rock Ferry until he moved into a flat In Ward Grove at a ripe old age. 

As a lifelong parishioner of St Anne’s, Rock Ferry, he served his parish for many ways, as an altar server for 87 years and as a Eucharistic Minister for over 40 years (at Masses in St Anne’s, in many care homes and to housebound people). He was frequently seen riding his bicycle around Rock Ferry collecting for the Oblate Missions something he did for over 53 years. He was a bachelor and a lifelong supporter of ‘Men’s Lib’, He was well known for his work for the Catholic Men’s Society and the Lourdes Diocesan Hospitality.

Les was awarded the status of Honorary Oblate.  He was very proud of his Oblate Cross and took it with him as he moved from his home in Ward Grove to Birchwood care home and latterly to Nazareth House where it was in a prominent position over his bed. 

Les served his country in the Royal Navy during World War Two. .His ship the RMS Carinthia, was torpedoed off the West coast of Ireland in 1940. He took part in the Arctic Convoys, a journey that Churchill described as “the worst journey in the world” and was awarded the Arctic Star by the Ministry of Defence in 2013. The Russian Government also honoured him for his “Personal Courage and Bravery” displayed during the Arctic Convoys.  He was awarded the Ushakov medal in 2016.

I am certain that Les is now in the arms of his beloved blessed mother, Mary, receiving his eternal reward in heaven for a faith filled-life well served on earth.

Mary Tyrell   ( Rockferry: Partners in Mission )