DUFFY, Gregory L.
Gregory L. Duffy, 54 of Catawba, passed away Thursday, July 19, 2018 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital as a result of a tragic farm accident.
Greg was born in Roanoke on January 19, 1964 and lived in Roanoke County all of his life. He was the son of the late Paul C. Duffy and Frances Pratt Foster, who survives.
Greg was a farmer, raising beef cattle, and was a member of Catawba Valley Baptist Church.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his aunts and uncles, Lois and Henry Walters, Mary and Richard Duffy.
Greg is survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Becky Cahill Duffy; sons, Gregory Duffy Jr. and Brandon Duffy; daughter, Brittney Duffy, all of Roanoke; his mother, Frances Foster of Salem; sisters Kimberly McMurray of Roanoke and Kristie Duffy of Salem; extended family and special friends.
A celebration of Greg’s life was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 24 at Catawba Valley Baptist Church, 10922 Catawba Road, Troutville with Pastor Aaron Mansfield officiating. The family received friends Monday, 5-8 p.m. at Rader Funeral Home, Daleville.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Road, No. 106, Roanoke, 24018.
ROOKSTOOL, Brian
March 4, 1981 – May 16, 2018
Brian was a wonderful man and a devoted husband that is loved, missed and will always be cherished.
His greatest joy was in his everyday life with his wife, Amy, and their beloved dogs. He will be greatly missed by Rusty, Cory, Derby and Mac, all who had a special and unique bond with him.
Brian’s story starts on March 4, 1981, the oldest son to Gary and Tish, who spent his childhood riding bikes, swimming and building a tree house in his backyard. Brian attended James River High School, where his favorite class was art, and this is where he excelled the most. Brian was an artist who loved to draw, paint, and take photographs. High school is also where he met the love of his life, Amy. They were high school sweethearts and married on August 14, 2011.
Brian was renowned for his kindness, work ethic and meticulousness. He was “Mr. Fix It”, who would often be called upon to build, create, repair and fix just about everything. Brian also took pride in everything he did and always took the extra steps to do whatever he could to take care of his family. Brian especially enjoyed carpentry, so it was fitting when he and Amy purchased a home, they would buy an old farm remodel the farm together.
Brian loved the outdoors. He especially loved the mountains of Virginia, and every hike needed to have a “payoff.” Hiking to the top of Tinker Cliffs, to the seclusiveness of Moore’s Creek Dam or to see the waterfall at Apple Orchard Falls were his favorite. Brian also enjoyed fishing and kayaking. His favorite trip was found in the 13 miles of nature and quiet on the James River from Eagle Rock to Horseshoe Bend. This is where Brian felt most at peace.
After a biking trip along the Virginia Creeper Trail, and finding a hidden pumpkin patch, Brian fell in love with pumpkins. The next year their farm grew a pumpkin patch where the vines almost grew over your head. Brian’s hard work was magnified in his attention to their ever-growing pumpkin patches.
He is survived by his wife, Amy Surratt Rookstool; parents, Gary and Latitia Rookstool; brother and wife, Travis and Meaghan Rookstool and their children, Payson and Avery; his grandmother, Rosa Lee Camper Williamson; and mother-in-law, Edith Surratt. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Webbie Williamson, Cody and Phoebe Rookstool; and father-in-law, Mickey Surratt.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy either online or by mail to P.O. Box 807, Harpers Ferry, W.Va. 25425.
The family will receive friends on Friday, July 27 from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a celebration of life memorial service at 7 p.m. in the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home. An inurnment will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 28 at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Roanoke.
