Thompson, Douglas Edward
January 29, 1932 - November 7, 2024
Douglas Edward Thompson passed away suddenly on November 7th at the Meaford Hospital, in his 93rd year.
Born on January 29, 1932; Doug grew up in Wallaceburg, a charming town surrounded by water, where he developed his lifelong passion for sailing and this love for the water brought him to Georgian Bay and Sunnyside Beach, where he retired with Anne, his devoted wife of 60 years.
At the age of 15, Doug left home and worked hard to overcome life’s challenges, which taught him the value of perseverance. This experience fueled his deep compassion for others, and he would go out of his way to help anyone in need, always offering a hand, a meal, or even a ride. His kindness was matched only by his warm personality—Doug greeted everyone he met with a smile, often singing a tune as he went.
Doug graduated from the University of Guelph with a degree in horticulture, and his love of plants and flowers was evident in the beautiful gardens he tended throughout his life. He took great pride in mowing his lawn—and often his neighbours’—keeping everything picture-perfect. Doug was so dedicated to this pastime that Google Maps even captured him riding his beloved lawn mower.
Doug enjoyed a fulfilling 35-year career in account sales and business development with William Roberts in Kitchener, where he connected with countless people. Many of these connections turned into lasting friendships, as Doug’s warmth and cheerful greetings made everyone feel welcome.
Doug is survived by his beloved wife Anne (nee Rutledge); his sons, Charles Thompson (Karen Creed Thompson) and Lachlan Thompson (Cathy Henderson); his daughter Roberta Thompson (Chris Hammar); and his cherished grandchildren, Kody, Jamie, Kai, Rosalind, Neko, and Simon. He also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews. Doug was predeceased by his sisters, Mary, Donna, Nadine, and Maxine.
Doug’s family was at the heart of his life, and he was happiest when gathered around a fire with them, sharing stories and laughter.
He was a dedicated member of his community, serving as a Scout leader, a coach, and a founding organizer of the Victoria Park Tee Ball Association. He was an active member of the Victoria Park Neighbourhood Association and a dedicated supporter of local high school sports, cheering on young athletes at every opportunity.
An accomplished bagpiper, Doug played with the Wallaceburg Pipe Band and continued his musical tradition at Sunnyside Beach, where children would follow him in the “Dougie Parade.”
A private funeral will be held, with a celebration of life to follow at a later date.
Doug will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and warmth that brightened the lives of all who knew him. His legacy of love and laughter lives on in the hearts of his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce in Doug’s memory and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
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Friday, November 8, 2024
Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
It was so nice to see you the other day Anne and catch up with old memories.
Doug was well liked fun to be around with laughter and joking around.
Take care Bev and Marion Genoe
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you.
Friday, November 8, 2024
Anne and family, We are so very sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. We always enjoyed a good curling game with Doug. Will miss his swagger going down the ice.
Wayne and Marilyn.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you.
Friday, November 8, 2024
Please accept our sincere condolences. We always enjoyed meeting and chatting with Doug (you couldn’t not chat with Doug) whether on the beach road or up at the military base gym when we all went there to work out. He was a kind and friendly man and we will always have positive memories of him. All our best to you Anne and your family.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you.
Friday, November 8, 2024
So sorry for your loss Anne. Doug was a great guy will miss him at the golf course.
John Turner.
Monday, November 18, 2024
thank you John.
Friday, November 8, 2024
I offer my deepest sympathies to the Thompson family and friends on the passing of Doug. Thanks for sharing his life story. I appreciate how Doug firmly anchored his life in family and helping others. In my conversations with Doug, I appreciated that he was always a straight shooter, firmly grounded, and had a big heart. I see these qualities reflected in Chuck, my brother in law too. He will be missed.
God bless you all.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Kim.
Friday, November 8, 2024
Dear Anne,
I’m sorry to read about Doug, we always had great chats about the ‘Burg, the sailboat on Mitchell’s Bay and a few laughs. I will miss him and his cheerfulness. I will call you this week after things settle down or call me when you can. I’m sure the kids will miss him as well.
Love always,
Anne
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Anne.
Friday, November 8, 2024
Always enjoyed my conversations with Doug. Always had a kind word and good advice to share. He will be missed. My condolences to the family may his memory be eternal.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Bill.
Friday, November 8, 2024
I knew Doug Thompson most of my life, I was proud to call him a friend. I learned a lot from Doug about water systems and friendship.
Whenever I needed to borrow a tool, a plumbing part or some nails he was always there. When you asked Doug to borrow something, he would stop what he was doing, come to the tool shed and help you find it.
When I was attending University of Waterloo, I needed to store some furniture for the summer. Doug went out of his way to borrow a trailer from a friend, lend me his car to move the furniture and let me store it in the upstairs hallway at his house on Richmond Ave!
That is just one example of Doug’s generosity!
I will miss you Doug.
Our thoughts are with Anne and family at this difficult time.
Friday, November 8, 2024
Our deepest condolences to the families
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Paul and family.
Friday, November 8, 2024
Sending prayers and sympathies
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Mary.
Friday, November 8, 2024
Mark and Liz.
So sad to hear that your dad has passed away. Thinking of you and your family in your time of need.
The first time I met Doug, he had a bottle of baileys for us to have in our coffees while the others were skiing. It was a wonderful day we shared together and always in my memory.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Mark.
Friday, November 8, 2024
Linda and I are saddened to hear of Doug’s passing. He is a legend on Cedar Ave and his generosity knew no limit. When we first moved here, I mentioned to Doug that curling might be an interesting winter pastime and before I could say anymore he had us into the car and took us to the Meaford Curling Club to show us around. We will miss his stories, cheerful nature and his songs, he will be missed. Our deepest condolences to Ann, Chuck and Lockie.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Robert and Linda.
Friday, November 8, 2024
To Anne, Chuck, Lockie , Roberta and Families,
Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to you all during this difficult period of the loss of your husband and father Doug. I have many great memories of Doug which I will cherish always. We first met as business acquaintances 40 years ago and became great friends, sharing many good times together, great conversations over a drink or two, and on our fishing trips in Meaford.
Rest In Peace my friend. Always remembered.
Tito and Ruth Guglielmi
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Tito and Ruth.
Friday, November 8, 2024
Dear Anne
I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. I always enjoyed my conversations with Doug when I was at the golf course. Always a smile and a story. He will be missed. Russ and I will miss him.
Nancy & Russ Meyers
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Nancy and Russ.
Friday, November 8, 2024
Dear Anne,
We are so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. We always enjoyed our roadside chats and golf course visits. Doug will be truly missed by all who knew him.
Sincerely,
Rick & Betty-Anne Harrison
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Rick and Betty-Ann.
Friday, November 8, 2024
My thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time Roberta. I enjoyed reading about your Dad. It was a life well lived and I know he will be missed by by many who knew and loved him. My condolences to you and your family.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Stephanie.
Friday, November 8, 2024
Der Anne
Just heard from Alta about Doug and am so sorry. It made me think of so many people and times shared.
Know thàt I’m thinking of during this sad time. Be strong
Love, Irene
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Irene.
Friday, November 8, 2024
Roberta,
When we were young I always loved coming to your house. I loved it because your parents were there at a time when mine were not. I do remember one time sitting at your kitchen table talking to your mom and dad. While I do not remember the banter, I do remember your parents making me feel welcome. I am sorry that you are going through this… thoughts with yoi.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Kathy.
Friday, November 8, 2024
Dear Anne and family,
I am saddened to hear of Doug’s passing. What a pleasure it has been having him as a cottage neighbour for so many years. His friendliness and warm personality will be remembered by all who knew him. He was a kind, helpful and generous man in a very authentic way. He will be missed by many.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Rick.
Friday, November 8, 2024
Dear Aunt Anne, Chuck and Karen, Lachie and Cathy, Berta and Chris and families.
I extend my deepest condolences for your loss. I have so many fond childhood memories of Uncle Doug and all of you at family gatherings at Grandmas, your home in Kitchener and Sunnyside Beach. Uncle Doug will be missed. He was a wonderful uncle but more importantly an amazing husband and father. His family meant the world to him. So sorry for your loss.
Sandy
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Sandy.
Friday, November 8, 2024
Sunnyside Beach just won’t be the same without Doug driving by in his car and leaning out the window and shouting pleasant greetings and/or working orders! We will miss him dearly but we will forever remember him when the colorful daylilies bloom in our garden. They were all a gift from Doug years ago. He was a wonderful friend and a great neighbor.
We extend our deepest condolences to you Anne and all your family.
Bonnie and Bruce
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Bruce and Bonnie.
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Dear Anne,
I will always remember the good old days at the cottage, hearing Doug‘s pipes in the summer and dancing with him at New Years Eve celebrations… It was great to get a hug and a kiss at the road this past summer!
Our thoughts are with you now…
Betsy
Saturday, November 9, 2024
We are so sorry to hear of Dougs passing he was a wonderful person,
he will be missed by our family greatly
thanks for the memories Doug
all the best to your family
Shelly and Dan Harrison and family
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Betsy.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Shelly and Dan
Saturday, November 9, 2024
So sorry to learn of Doug’s passing. We will always be fond of Doug – his wit and humour really brightened our summers at the cottage. As a young lad, I partook in Doug’s bagpipe parade up and down Sunnyside Beach – what fun! Our sincere condolences to the Thompson family.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Rick and Marianne.
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Dear Anne- Sorry to hear about the passing of Doug. Remember him for the rich full life he lived and for the times he made you laugh, his love, his thoughtfulness, his warmth, and his sense of humour. He loved to joke and have fun with everyone. Celebrate his life with love and joy. Love Jeanne and Allan Johnson
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Jeanne and Allan.
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Sorry to have hear of Doug’s passing .I meeted Doug in 1976 though T ball. After three season of coaching he talked me into taking over the T ball .He also got a laugh over that each time i saw him. I always looked forwards to talking with him each time we met. Will miss seeing him at football .
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you John.
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Dear Anne and family:
Sincere condolences for your loss. Fabian was fortunate to have known Doug for many years, meeting when their wives went through Nursing School and then later in Kitchener as their children were born around the same time. Busy lives change things but Doug and Fabian were always able to reconnect. We have fond memories of the sausage makers and Doug playing tricks on the group; summers at your cottage, playing golf, relaxing in the hot tub listening to Doug’s stories and jokes. Doug enjoyed life and made others grateful for his friendship. Doug was fortunate to complete his circle of life in the home he loved and Anne by his side.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Bonnie and Fabe.
Saturday, November 9, 2024
I loved when Doug came into the clubhouse at Meaford Golf course , he brought so much life into the building. I am so sorry for you and your families loss. Thinking of your family during this time and always !
Lynne Ellis
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Lynne.
Saturday, November 9, 2024
We were so sorry to hear that Doug had died. He has been an integral part of Sunnyside all these years. We will miss him. I am so pleased he managed that swim in the Bay this Summer. My memory of him smiling at his accomplishment is a great one to have.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Ted and Elizabeth.
Saturday, November 9, 2024
We are so sorry to hear about Doug’s passing. You have our deepest condolences.
Jack & Lisa Vangrootel
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank Jack and Lisa.
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Sending condolences to Anne and family. Sunnyside Beach will certainly not be the same without Doug. His smile & greeting to newcomers on the Beach will be remembered.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Freda.
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Dear Anne and family, sending my condolences to you
Doug was a great guy… he always had time for anyone who stopped by at the golf course.
The tributes that are posted describe Doug to a tee.
Hang in there, will be in touch
Lou Fowler
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Lou.
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Our deepest sympathies to the entire family. We got to know Doug and Anne spending time at Chuck and Karen’s cottage for years with our kids. We took to Doug and Anne right away as they were always so welcoming and friendly. My late husband Kenny and Doug hit it off when they found out they were both born in Wallaceburg and both shared a love of golf. They even played a game together! Doug – thank you for your kindness, your sense of humour, and for sparking a passion for bird watching in my son the last time we were at the cottage. You will be missed.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Melissa.
Sunday, November 10, 2024
Dear Anne and family, I am so sorry to hear about Doug, he was a very nice and friendly man I am sure he will be greatly missed
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Rita.
Sunday, November 10, 2024
Anne and family, we were really sorry to hear of Doug’s passing as we had such great times curling and enjoying coffee at Tim’s when we would see each other. He always had a sense of humour and was a treat to share time with.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Gail and Bev.
Sunday, November 10, 2024
Chuck and family.
My deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Jackie and Michael Kemp
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Jackie and Michael.
Sunday, November 10, 2024
Sorry Anne to read about Doug’s passing. Having cared for Doug in the emerg department and meeting the both of you, I am truly sorry for your loss. What a wonderful person who did nothing but made you smile and laugh. You’d walk into the room and one look from Doug and he start to sing, resight poetry and speak lovely charming words at you. It was us that was supposed to make him feel better but he was always making us feel great. I asked Anne once how long did it take Doug to sweep her off her feet? Not long. I’m sure you have wonderful memories. He spoke proudly and lovingly about you.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Christine.
Monday, November 11, 2024
Dear Anne, The passing of a man like Doug Thompson is a loss to all who knew him. His smiling response to all greetings along with his unhurried interest in the doings of his friends. When anyone said “Top of the morning to you Doug” his response was “And the rest of the day to yourself.” Doug will be remembered and those memories will always bring a fond smile.
Bonnie & Brian McColgan.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Brian and Bonnie
Monday, November 11, 2024
So sorry hear the news of Doug’s passing Anne. Our deepest condolences to you and all your family. Mary & Peter
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Mary and Peter.
Monday, November 11, 2024
Dear Anne and family, we will certainly miss Doug’s jovial attitude towards everything. He was a great asset to the golf course, helping as a volunteer for our junior program and many other positions on the senior men’s league. Our sincere condolences to every member of his family.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Mary and Ivan
Monday, November 11, 2024
Anne Iam so sorry for your loss. Doug was a great man. He always had a smile and a story to tell. Doug made everyone who knew him feel comfortable when talking with him. He always put a smile on my face after our conversations. He will be deeply missed. Take care Anne.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Jackie.
Monday, November 11, 2024
Anne…so sorry to hear the sad news of Doug’s passing….being a neighbor in our quite neighborhood, we were outside when we heard a not to often ambulance getting closer, and then it went quiet…..within minutes a passerby explained to us the location of the ambulance….we were worried and could only pray for good news….we just recently heard the sad news.
We’ve known Doug over 40years at the beach and he will be missed….when passing by in his car over the years he quite often lowered his car window and had a humorous comment or story to tell which we will miss greatly.
Our sympathies to you Anne and your family.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Bernie and Nellie.
Monday, November 11, 2024
Anne and family so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing our sincere condolences.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Wendy and Willy.
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
We are so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing, I always enjoyed curling on his team and a friendly hello when meeting him around town.
Take care Ann
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Maureen.
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Dear Chuck, Karen and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing and we hope that all the great memories of your time together will bring you comfort. Thinking of you and your family at this time.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Julie and Steve.
Thursday, November 14, 2024
May we add our condolences to the many others. You two were across-the-street wonderful neighbours for 22 wonderful years on Sunnyside Beach, including the many New Year’s parties.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you David and Barb.
Thursday, November 14, 2024
So sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. He was a big part of the heart and soul of Sunnyside Beach. Our condolences to Anne and family.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Thank you Jeff and Lorraine.
Monday, November 25, 2024
I have thought about all of you, my second family, and what words of comfort I can say to you all. Doug was larger than life. His love and genuine care of family and friends defined who he was; always welcoming and always asking me “How are the kids Elvis. How’s Denise. How’s your dad. How’s your sister?” These were questions not asked in passing but with the intent on wanting full details. He will always be a reminder to me on what’s important in living a full life – the love of family and friends.
Sunday, December 1, 2024
Thank you Elvis. You know he loved you guys and cared about your family. Regards. Anne & family.
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Dear Anne and Family,
So sorry to hear we have lost Doug. He and my Dad were icons in our Sunnyside neighborhood as I grew up. Always a good story to tell. Always a smile and news or advice. Never failed to stop on the road with a proud HELLO as he was tooling around. Doug was riding his tractor over to mow mom and dad’s lawn whenever it needed. He watched out for all of us. I will always feel his presence, a permanent part of our community.