Born on January 28th, 1929, my father, Belfield Duke, lived a lengthy life which consisted of varied levels of experiences. Belfield, Egerton Duke was an icon of an era. As an icon he represented a masculinity of a bygone epoch. He never broke with the traditionalist view of women and his sense of his own masculinity. Belfield was also legend who exuded a physical presence that outstripped his slim stature. Now a legend is a tale handed down through generations about a person or place. My father was revered and thus thrust into legendary status by the stories passed down about him across generations. Meanwhile in keeping with the genre of status he made the rules and broke them on his own terms. Growing up in the Belfield household one had to come to terms with that quite early.
Belfield may have been flawed but he was by no means a bland character. And, although one may have condemned the relative recklessness with which he pursued life one could not help but root for him. Not that the opinions of others could faze him for he was one who refused to be fettered.
It was about 5;15 on February 8th, 2018 When I learned that my father had passed. When I got the call, I estimated that something was perhaps wrong with my father, but I did not expect death. I knew how old he was, and I know with my head that death is inevitable, but the news hit me like an avalanche. I began to cry and was overcome with grief. In that year of my father’s birth, my favorite author Ernest Hemmingway published Farewell to Arms reflecting on world War 1. On February 8th Belfield Duke’s battles were over. He had written the final chapter of his book. He officially said his farewell to arms.
Belfield’s death represents the end of an era. He was the last of his siblings, his peers. He was Ike a physical symbol, a fixture It seemed like would he would always be there, immovable in the shifting sands of time. In losing him we have lost, a griot of family and community history. For Belfield’s children, in his dying he has taken a piece of our hearts with him. I cared for my father and was committed to love him despite what happened. I am sure in his way he loved me too.
My Father’s Legacy
My father imparted to us his children certain robust values that guide the way we interact with others and which have become part of our definers. He stated repeatedly in no uncertain terms and I quote, “Not a bitch and their brother are better than me”. As a result, we developed the inability to feel inferior to any man whatever his status. The unintentional fall out however was that some feel intimidated and read a challenge where there is none.
Dancer
My father was a tour de force on the dance floor. The names of dances would roll off his tongue as a foreign mantra. Foxtrot, meringue, bolero and waltz were among the dances he would name. Yes, Belfield Duke was a dancer. Belfield Duke was also known for his graciousness as a host. I remember well how at harvest celebrations he would bring fellow workers home and my mother the dutiful wife she was, would cook up a storm in her efforts to support his desire to entertain. Meanwhile, like the country bumpkins we were we would climb up to the lattice work to look down at the guests, and report on the goings on to other siblings below. These snippets were sources of humor which ultimately became grafted in to our ongoing comedy routines.
Story teller
And Belfield was a masterful story teller. He would tell us so many stories. His repertoire was inclusive of Iocal myths. As the passionate story teller, he was, he would create Science fiction stories based on his hunting experiences in the belly of the dark bushes. Then as a dramatist in true Off Roadway fashion he would enact those stories before a rapt audience; his children. Meanwhile we would be afraid to go to our beds for fear of reliving in dreams these scary scenes of his experience
I am most proud of his capacity to build physical things. He was an uncredentialled architect whose signature is stamped on almost 25% of the houses in the small town in which we lived. I was so proud of his skill status and competencies. As a construction manager he not only employed others but imparted his skills to would be apprentices thus spawning and investing in the career of others. So, death can be proud it has such a one in his grip (John Donne).
Farewell
Oh, how I wanted to be there to offer words to comfort my father as he passed. I was missing him for such a long time but now he is lost to me forever. My dear father, like Orion you were once the brightest star but now you have faded into oblivion. Ironically, now your life has dimmed, it magically lights up my heart with unquenchable love for you. All is forgiven daddy. Farewell.
By Ingrid Rizzolo-Author of Splendor from Ashes
IngridRizzolo-MyWrite 
My deepest condolences. A well written farewell ♥️
LikeLike
This shows your love for your father. God bless!!
LikeLike
I am so sorry for your lost. I am sure it will not be as easy as one, two, three in order to move on but I suggest you just accept what happened, let go and let God. He is in a better place now.
LikeLike
Condolences, I am sorry for the loss of your father. Losing a dear member of the family is always very hard and we need time to grief. It sounds like your father was a wonderful person, not only a great model for you for also a gentle soul passionate by arts.
LikeLike
It is never easy to lose anyone, especially a parent. I think it is lovely that you are honoring his legacy and it sounds like he had a wonderfully full life.
LikeLike
My mother also died young. She was in the hospital for about 6 months, so it wasn’t as sudden. But it was still a shock and rather hard.
LikeLike
What a wonderful tribute to a great man. I can tell he will be a legacy in many peoples eyes. It hard to find men with that kind of character these days. My condolences.
LikeLike
This is such a beautiful post dedicated to your father. May he rest in peace, and feel the love that you have for him.
xoxo
Annie
LikeLike
So sorry for your loss. Your father sounds like he was an incredible man. I know you were so happy to have him in your life.
LikeLike
This was beautiful to read x
LikeLike
My deepest condolences. He sounds like a man anyone would look up to. I love his thirst for life and his drive to influence not only his kids but those around him as well.
LikeLike
Oh wow this is still fresh I am so sorry to hear about your fathers passing. My condolences sincerely but he sounds like a wonderful man and great you shared his beautiful legacy.
LikeLike
Oh, I am sorry for your loss. My dad passed away as well. This post was a great way to express your love and explain his legacy. It was also written very well. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
Your father definitely sounds like an interesting person to have known. My condolences to you for your loss.
LikeLike
this was beautifully written. such a great tribute to him!
LikeLike
Your father is such an amazing man. He is truly an ICON and LEGENDARY. Rest in peace to your father.
LikeLike
Through your words I can feel the love you have for your father. So sorry for your lost, he will live forever with you in your hearth.
LikeLike
I am so sorry for your loss. You’re father does sound like an absolutely fabulous man that lived his life to the fullest.
LikeLike
What a beautiful dedication for your father. My deepest condolences. He’s such a loving father to all of you and one who shares his wisdom and knowledge. It sounds like he’s also an inspiration to many of those around him.
LikeLike
Such a lovely way to commemorate your father. Lovely to read everything you shared about him
LikeLike
Your father certainly lived a full and interesting life: dancing the mamba and foxtrot are no mean feats! Such a moving tribute!
LikeLike
I am so sorry for your loss. I sincerely hope his love and his vivid memories will comfort throughout your life. He does sound like a very interesting person and must have passed on his talents and valuable lessons to all his kids. Stay strong and blessed dear.
LikeLike
I am sorry for your loss! He seams a very good person. I am happy you had such a great father figure!
LikeLike
That was an great passage to your father. My heart goes out to you as I, too, have lost my father at an old age, although, I still was not ready. We never are. I will pray for your comfort.
LikeLike
Thanks
LikeLike
i’m so sorry for your loss! sending you my thoughts and prayers for comfort and healing.
LikeLike
Thanks Tara
LikeLike
I’m really sorry for your loss. The story that you told about your father made him sound like a great guy.
LikeLike
Thanks
LikeLike
May he rest in peace. He sounds like an incredible man who did a lot of wonderful things in his lifetime. You take care over there ❤
LikeLike
Thanks
LikeLike
My deepest condolences to you and your family. This is such a heartwarming tribute for your father; he will truly be missed.
LikeLike
I’m so sorry for your loss –– what a loving tribute you’ve put together. All of my love and hugs.
LikeLike
Thanks Megan
LikeLike
Sorry to hear about you losing your father. It’s always such a shock to lose a loved one; we all know it’s going to come some day, but I hope you are starting to heal and recover from it now. This is a really great piece of writing to commemorate him.
LikeLike
Thanks
LikeLike
I am absolutely certain that you father has heard your words, from where he is, as you wrote this tribute to him. He could not be more proud of you for this beautifully written documentation of his life.
LikeLike
Thanks.
LikeLike
My condolences to you and your family. I really don’t know how it feels like. Stay strong.
LikeLike
What a thoughtful and moving tribute to your father. He obviously had a lot of sides to him. Wishing you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
LikeLike
I am so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. This is a great tribute though. I am sure he is proud.
LikeLike
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father, no matter how old someone is it is never easy to deal with the loss of a loved one. But what a fitting tribute to your father and beautifully written. I like how he taught you to have strength within and not feel inferior to others and to hear of his graciousness as a host. And it inspired me to hear that he was a dancer, did you inherit his musicality?
LikeLike
Thanks. I inherited the Arts ability. I am a performer/actress.
LikeLike
What a beautiful post. My deepest condolences for your loss. I’m so glad you have so many lovely memories of him!
LikeLike
So sorry for your loss. I lost my father when I was very young and even now as an adult it still breaks my heart to know that he is forever gone. Sending you warm wishes.
LikeLike
A moving tribute to your father. I lost my mom too a few years ago, and my dad is older now. I think about him all the time as I live in a different country. I miss him so much.
LikeLike
Aaaaaawwwwwwww….am very sorry for your loss, Ingrid. You know, you reminded me of something…..nice, actually. Thank you for sharing about Daddy and letting me, in on your space, Ingrid. A big hug for you.
LikeLike