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Duke Boeser, father of Canucks forward Brock, dies at 61
Duke Boeser, the father of Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser, has died at the age of 61, the team announced Friday.
The Canucks released the following statement:
The Vancouver Canucks are deeply saddened by the passing of Brock Boeser’s father, Duke. A beloved member of the Canucks family, Duke’s strength, courage, and positive energy were an inspiration to everyone around him. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Brock, Laurie, Jessica, and Paul and ask that you please respect the family’s privacy at this time.
Sending our love to the Boeser family 💙 pic.twitter.com/W58k5TEw5h
— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) May 27, 2022
Laurie Boeser, Brock’s mom and Duke’s wife, had previously released a statement Thursday indicating that he was about to die shortly.
Brock Boeser’s mother Laurie posted this update on the family’s public Caring Bridge page this morning.
Awful, awful news regarding Brock’s father Duke. Thoughts are with the Boeser family. Dementia sucks. pic.twitter.com/6iRuJeQUKY— David Quadrelli (@QuadreIli) May 26, 2022
During an emotional end-of-year media availability on May 1, Brock Boeser revealed that his father was struggling in his battle against onset dementia. Duke Boeser was also fighting against Parkinson’s Disease, which he was diagnosed with in 2010. In 2020, Duke Boeser survived a pulmonary embolism while recovering from lung cancer, which returned that year after being diagnosed and undergoing treatment in 2017.
The elder Boeser was revered by the Canucks and endeared himself to the team by reading out the starting lineup during the 2016-17 season, and was a constant fixture at games.
"And starting on right wing, I can't believe it, Brock Boeser!"
Duke and Laurie Boeser read the #Canucks starting line-up Saturday. pic.twitter.com/PwafmMfCHv— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) March 26, 2017
Many around the hockey world offered their condolences and shared their memories in the wake of the news.
Couple legends watching over us. ♥️ Rest in peace Dukey. My heart is broken for the Boeser family. Brock, Jess and Laurie, I love you guys. https://t.co/BJBwEIB37U pic.twitter.com/O3L3AR7Kdb
— Troy Stecher (@troystecher) May 27, 2022
Heartbroken for the Boesers but what a courageous life Duke led. He overcame immeasurable adversity, was a model father and a sweet, gentle soul who was SO, SO proud of Brock. I wish comfort for Laurie, Brock, Jessica, Paul, the entire Boeser family & all of Duke’s friends ❤️🙏😢 pic.twitter.com/AT324Wb8Pf
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) May 27, 2022
We ❤️ you Duke Boeser 🙏 thank you for all the unforgettable “Duker” memories that will be with us forever!
Proud Papa Duke announcing #Canucks starting lineup for @BBoeser16 1st #NHL game 5 yrs ago. pic.twitter.com/Xdf94Ajp9T— Ben Hankinson (@BenHankinson) May 27, 2022
Brock once described his dad as a “fighter” and Duke Boeser was certainly that. He gave those who loved him 12 years from the arrival of Parkinson’s and a tsunami of health challenges. It could never be long enough. But I’m glad Brock had the last month just to be a son.
— Iain MacIntyre (@imacSportsnet) May 27, 2022
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