The past year of 2020 was tumultuous and confusing. Many friends were lost. We would be remiss if we failed to mention the passing of Clem Duffy, a great friend to the MnBS and the blues community. He somehow slipped past us in May of 2020. — Jake Jacobson

"Duffy, Clement T. Age 94 of Minneapolis, MN passed away peacefully on May 14, 2020 at Sunrise in Edina. Clem was born March 13, 1926, in Albert Lea, Minnesota and was the oldest of five children. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Air Corps during World War II. Subsequent to his Honorable Discharge from the Navy in June 1947, he attended Northwestern University on the G.I. Bill, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduating from Northwestern, he embarked on what would be a 70-year career in the insurance industry, making lifelong friends and earning awards along the way. He worked for Washington National, Mutual of Omaha and then, at the age of 60, he started his own health insurance agency, the Duffy Agency. He loved his work and cared for his clients. He finally retired at the age of 91, after repeated prompts from his family. Clem lived in the River Towers in Downtown Minneapolis for over 50-years. He was known for his jokes, stories and warm smile. He was kind and generous, helping both individuals and several organizations, ranging from the American Refugee Committee to the World Wildlife Fund. For 45 years he organized an annual holiday party for his neighbors in the Towers. Admission to the party required the donation of a new toy or a monetary donation to the Extraordinary Kids Fund, to benefit the young boys and girls being treated at Hennepin County Medical Center. This resulted in Clem being the 2013 recipient of HCMC's Guiding Light Award for Generosity. Clem's journey included two prior marriages, Jane Hockert (deceased) and Sue (Gilbertsen) Duffy, friendships of over 70-years, very close relationships with all his siblings and being a loving father and grandfather. Clem loved all things Irish, chocolate and music, especially the Blues. His love of the Blues resulted in friendships with many musicians, including Jonny Lang and members of the Lamont Cranston Band. He frequently espoused that in life 'when someone hand's you a lemon, make lemonade.' When recently asked what he'd like his grandchildren to know about life, he responded, 'Be kind to everyone. It's the people and experiences you have with them that matter most.' Clem is survived by his sons, Dr. Michael (Donna) Duffy, Tim (Missy) Duffy, Jon (Lindsey) Gilbertsen, siblings Eileen Lujan, Harold (Mary) Duffy, Morris (Helen) Duffy, sister-in-law, Margaret Duffy, grandchildren, David, Daniella, Keegan, Finnegan, Macgregor, Finn and Ike, and several adoring nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Duffy and Elizabeth (Tennis) Duffy, brother Leo Duffy and brother-in-law, Joseph Lujan. Due to current circumstances beyond our control, there will be a private ceremony for immediate family only at 10:00am, May 30, 2020 at St. Olaf's Catholic Church in Minneapolis. However, there will be a larger celebration of Clem and his life, once it is safe to do so for everyone, on another date and location TBD. Clem will be dearly missed but we are grateful for the many years we were able to share. For those interested in making a donation on behalf of Clem's cause: Extraordinary Kids Fund, HennepinHealthcare.org Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996"

Published on May 24, 2020 in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune