Career
Born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario, Duffus was a graduate of the Royal School of Cavalry and Royal School of Infantry and in his career was a soldier, farmer and businessman. He served with the 3rd Prince of Wales Canadian Dragoons and the 247th Regiment and with the Canadian Coronation Contingent and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel and then colonel. Duffus was a merchant and building contractor by trade and was active in politics and was elected to Peterborough"s city council in 1909 after two unsuccessful attempts.
He served as an alderman for six years before being elected Mayor in 1916 and 1917.
He also served as president of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce. Duffus died in office in 1957 after a lengthy illness.
His two-year absence from the Senate prior to his death led to an attempt to have the Senator removed from office under the provisions of the BNA Acting that allowed a Senate seat to be declared vacant if its occupant missed two successive sessions.
