Neil R. Duff

Neil Robert Duff, born in Detroit, MI, June 4, 1928, peacefully departed this world at age 86 and passed into the loving arms of the Lord he loved and served his whole life, his Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 25, 2014 at his home in Bloomfield Hills. Neil is survived by his wife of 62 years and high school sweetheart Ruth (nee Jenkins), his adored daughters Cynthia Klock (John) of Nicasio, CA, Diane Norris (Jim) of Lee's Summit, MO, Irene Daniels (Peter) of Bloomfield Hills, MI; his 4 loving grandchildren Nathan, Stephen (Jill), Sarah and Ellen; his precious great-grandchild, Brody Neil Daniels and also by his brother George (Marilyn) and sister Lillian Maffett (Dan). He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Duff, (1952) and his mother, Marion Duff Francey (1983). For both his undergraduate (English) and graduate studies (Law), Neil attended the University of Michigan. He worked his entire career, 1953-1988, for the Ford Motor Company, holding multiple positions including Vice President of Labor and Industrial Relations for Ford of Europe and Ford Aerospace. In his service to Christ, Neil served in multiple leadership positions with numerous missions organizations, most notably at Send International, and with Highland Park Baptist Church, where he attended his entire life; using his many gifts (administrative, teaching, strategic planning, human resource development) to promote the Gospel, both locally and across the world. Neil also was deeply committed to a ministry of personal discipleship, having mentored scores of men during his lifetime, many of whom looked to him as both a "spiritual" dad and trusted advisor. A memorial service will be held for Neil on Saturday, December 6, at 4:00 p.m. at Highland Park Baptist Church, 28600 Lahser Rd, Southfield, MI 48034. The family will receive visitors before the service starting at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to either Send International (www.send.org/give/shop/) or Gilead House (gileadhouse.org/donate/), an organization that helps homeless mothers and their children. Please take a moment to sign Neil's guestbook. Funeral Home: R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services 15451 Farmington Rd. Livonia, MI US 48154