Derek Wilfred Duffield

March 7, 1959 - May 16, 2008
Derek Wilfred Duffield

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Derek Wilfred Duffield, 49, of Chapel Hill died Friday May 16, 2008 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center Wilmington, NC following a tragic accident at his home .

Born March 7, 1959 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa the son of George Duffield and Yvonne Rabie Duffield. He was a senior engineer for Siemens. Family always came first in his life. He was very devoted to his job and everyone around him. He enjoyed his time at Topsail Island and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents surviving are his wife of 28 years Joan Duffield, son Kevin Duffield and wife Adrienne Duffield, daughter Bronwyn Duffield all of Chapel Hill. He is also survived by Brothers Keith Duffield , Trevor Duffield, both of South Africa, and sister Debbie van Schalkwyk of Houston, Texas.

A memorial service will be held at a time to be announced.

Wilmington Burial and Cremation Service 1535 S.41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099


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  • May 19, 2008
    Diane Lavandowski says:
    My sympathies are with you and your family during this tragic time. I worked with Derek at the Siemens facility in Cary. He was a very plesant person, even when he was frustrated with his computer not working properly. I am so sorry for your loss

  • May 19, 2008
    Helen Holderman says:
    I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Derek was a pleasure to work with at Siemens and will be missed.

  • May 18, 2008
    George Speaks says:
    I have had the pleasure of knowing Derek for over 20 years and can tell you he is a fine man. His dedication to his work, willingness to help others....and the example he set for others to strive for perfection in our jobs on behalf of our customers is unsurpassed. Not only was Derek a fine co worker, he was a great guy. Easy to talk with, interested and interesting, but one who made everyone feel comfortable to be around. He was smart and hardworking, but also had a zest for life, and was quick with a joke or a smile. I remember working with Derek once in Savannah a few years ago.......long hours as usual working through an image quality problem. I believe we were late one evening.....just a few of us guys.....when Derek heard someone talking in the hallway......What peaked his interest was that someone else had the same " funny " way of speaking english as he. Upon investigation, we found Derek talking to a fellow South African out in the hall....and it took almost a half hour to get him to quit speaking Afrikaner......lol He was a great guy....and will be missed by more people that you can imagine... I am proud to have known Derek.....and to be counted as a friend... George...

  • May 22, 2008
    Jack Mesale says:
    My sympathies go out to you and his entire family. It has been a privelidge to work, and especially to know Derek and to consider him my friend. He will surely be missed.

  • January 20, 2019
    Joan Duffield says:
    Thank you all so much for your outpouring of love and well wishes.....it meant the world to me and it still does. With gratitude and thanks always, Joan Duffield