Yesterday evening, as Cunard ocean liner Queen Elizabeth left the port of Liverpool, her horn sounded for 47 seconds in memory of 47 years that Hotel Director John Duffy was in service with Cunard Line. The news was shared on the social media by his colleague Carl Stephens, saying “RIP to the greatest Hotel Manager I've ever worked with, such an honor to have worked with you. Good night Mr. Duffy.”

Starting his career in 1965 on the original Queen Elizabeth, Mr. Duffy was a true Cunard legend. He became Hotel Manager of the Queen Elizabeth 2 in 1981. According to Beyond Ships, he was associated with some of the most famous ships ever to sail, and awarded Merchant Navy Medal for distinguished service and voted “Seagoing Employee of the Year” by the Seatrade Conference in 2008. His friendly and humble personality will stay in long lasting memory of all crew and guests who had a pleasure to meet him.

“John Duffy was the epitome of what the word gentleman means. Classy, considerate, generous and humble. He was Cunard and he was QE2. I feel fortunate to have known him well and to have had his friendship over many, many years of traveling with him in QE2 and Queen Mary 2. He will be sorely missed. His family will find solace in the reading of the unanimous high regard and respect in which he has been held. May he repose in peace, and may he live on and remain close to us in our memories and in our hearts.” Wrote Bob Eyre.

Chris Robertson wrote “What a true gentleman. One of the few hotel managers that never let the position and rank get to his head. Rest in peace.”