Joel Duff Obituary, Death; Toronto Mourns Loss of Educator and Advocate Joel Duff

The Toronto community is mourning the loss of Joel Duff, a respected advocate, gifted communicator, and devoted father whose work left a lasting imprint on Ontario’s education and labour landscapes. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, friends, and community members who remember him as a principled leader driven by fairness, equity, and connection.

Duff was widely known for his work with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF), where he emerged as a powerful and trusted voice for educators and students. He was deeply committed to public education, believing it to be a cornerstone of strong and equitable communities. Colleagues describe him as both strategic and passionate — someone who could navigate complex policy discussions while never losing sight of the people most affected by them.

Equity and justice were not abstract ideals for Duff, but guiding principles. He approached advocacy with clarity and conviction, consistently emphasizing the importance of collective action and solidarity. Whether addressing labour rights or student supports, he was known for speaking with urgency, intelligence, and purpose.

A lifelong learner, Duff further developed his leadership and communication skills through eCornell, bringing fresh insight and innovation to his work. He was famous among peers for his rapid-fire delivery — proudly embracing the label of a “fast-talker” — but those who worked alongside him say it was his depth of understanding and ability to make complex issues accessible that truly set him apart.

Outside of his professional life, Duff was remembered as deeply curious and fully engaged with the world around him. He loved food and the communal experience of sharing meals, and he had a keen eye for photography, capturing moments both meaningful and mundane. Above all, he was a devoted father, and those closest to him say his love for his family was the foundation of everything he did.

Joel Duff’s death leaves a significant void in Toronto and beyond. The education and labour communities have lost a steadfast advocate, and many have lost a colleague and friend whose energy, intellect, and humanity were impossible to ignore.

As tributes continue to pour in, those who knew him say the most fitting way to honor his legacy is to carry forward the work he believed in — standing up for justice, defending public education, and speaking truth to power without hesitation.

Joel Duff will be remembered not only for what he fought for, but for how he fought: with conviction, compassion, and an unwavering belief in a more equitable future.