Simpson, Douglas McNeil 'Doug'
December 30, 1952 - March 5, 2025
With his family beside him, Doug passed away suddenly on March 5th, 2025.
The only child of Douglas and Lois Simpson, he is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kate (née Dinsmore), and his children Lindsay (James), Colin (Evelin), Courtney, and Fraser (Allison). Proud “Grampy” to Sam, Maggie, and Cameron.
Doug’s lifelong love of Georgian Bay started from an early age. He enjoyed many summers at the cottage in Cognashene, and happily served as the president of the Cognashene Cottager’s Association. He especially loved organizing the annual Regatta, with all the fun and chaos that came with it.
Doug spent 21 years with the Canadian Ski Patrol System, first as a patroller at Craigleith Ski Club, and finishing as the president of the Ontario Division. It was at Craigleith Ski Club where Doug and Kate met.
Doug loved being involved with his community wherever he was. In Oakville, he spent many years as a Scouts Canada leader. After retiring to Thornbury, Doug shared his love of British cars with the Georgian Bay British Car Club, where he served as President until his passing. Doug and Kate enjoyed many car cruises together around Georgian Bay. Abroad, they also enjoyed travelling the world, visiting several countries on three continents.
Cremation has taken place as were Doug’s wishes. A celebration of life will be planned for later in the year.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society, or the Georgian Bay Land Trust, as these organizations were all dear to Doug. Donations 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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Make a donation in memory of Douglas McNeil 'Doug' Simpson
Donations: Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society, or the Georgian Bay Land TrustDonate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Monday, March 10, 2025
On behalf of Bill & Maggie Russell and the Drivers at Barrie Executive Limousine… Kate, and Doug’s precious family, how fortunate you are to have had Doug in your lives. He absolutely made it very clear how lucky he felt to have each of you. No matter how dreary the day, Doug’s phone call would, inevitably, conjur up a smile and have us remember the important things in life! Heaven is just a little brighter now… may he rest in peace and your memories of him reside forever in your hearts.
Monday, March 10, 2025
Doug was a man like no other he was a father a husband and a friend to all who knew him. We are happy to have known Doug for a long long time and he will be sorely missed everyday. We will miss his terrible jokes his great sense of humour and his smile He was loved beyond measure and Heaven has a new bright star to twinkle every night Love and Miss you terribly Doug Shaz and Amanda
Monday, March 10, 2025
Dear Kate,
My heartfelt condolences for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. May Doug rest in peace.
Del Simpkins
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
We are so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing,
our thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Dan and shelly Harrison
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Kate and family, Pam and I are truly shocked and saddened at the news of Doug’s passing. I Will miss our visits and weekly phone calls. He was a good and loyal friend. May he rest in peace.
Jim Giblin
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Jane and I are so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing, Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with you and your family at this time.
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Staying close to friends is always a challenge, especially when we lived 2000 kilometers apart, in spite, we still tried to maintain contact. I still have very fond memories of Doug, way back, when we all were much younger. In Montreal, enjoyed being part of the Canadian Ski Patrol with him, had a great time sharing a ski chalet with him and some other guys. One winter, we decided to “play” in the snow, Doug lost his signet ring, so we shovelled the whole front yard, into the bath tub, and voila, we found the ring. Or their was the time when Doug decided to ski down Mt Gabriel with little on, and I mean little, skis and boots. We had a few visits to the island, once with the guys, we got there, a few dove in and dove right back out, Doug in his mischeviousness forgot to tell us, the ice had just melted the previous week. The last little story was again at the island, but this time with Francine and our lab Sam. It was our dog’s first time in a lake, and did he love it.
I know Kate and the kids and the grandkids will miss him dearly, but let us all remember his love for life and let us all continue living ours in the way Doug lived his. I’m quite sure, St-Peter has Doug’s cocktail of choice waiting for him.
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Dear sister Kate and family. Jean and I share in your sorrow and loss. Condolences to all of you. May the memories of the great times together sustain you.
Andrew Dinsmore and Jean Koroway
Friday, March 14, 2025
Kate, Sorry to hear about Doug’s passing. Mary
Friday, March 14, 2025
Douglas, AKA uncle Doug by my children, fraternity brother, Godfather and brother I never had. We shared many of life’s adventures, both good and bad times. I will miss our conversations about our families, discussing the merits of British cars vs. German cars, hearing the delight in your voice over trips you took with Kate and your excitement for each new grandchild.
Michele and I offer our condolences, prayers and support to all.
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Sending you heartfelt condolences Kate.
Marion
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Dear Kate and family, we were shocked and saddened to read of Doug’s passing. Although we only met in recent years through the car club, we always appreciated Doug’s warm welcome both on the club outings and in your home. Our heartfelt condolences on your sad loss. Meirion and Anne.
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Dear Kate and family
Sorry to read of your Doug’s passing. Loved your visits to the farm and always check to see how your cottage is when travelling by.
I think Doug and his dad were the first father and son presidents of the association.
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Dear Kate and family; so very sorry for your loss. Sending our deepest sympathy to you and your family at this most difficult time. Know that we keep you dearly in our thoughts and prayers. Take good care. Hugs
From: Aunt Marjorie, Donna and family
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Kathy So sorry to hear of your loss Those we love don,t go away they walk beside behind us every,
. day unseen,unheard,but always near, still loved,still missed,and very dear dear.
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Kate & family,
Brian & I are very sorry to hear that Doug succomed to illness. At car club events, it was always interesting to talk to Doug and we will miss discussions of skiing (me) and cars (Brian)! Doug and you were always such gracious hosts in your home for our events and he took the bull by the horse these past few years leading the club. An amazing fellow and I can only imagine how much you and your family will miss his twinkle in his eye and all that love he gave you and your family. Our deepest condolences, Kate.
With hugs,
Brian & Cindy
Sunday, March 23, 2025
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Doug’s sudden death. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this time . Barb ( Hemmerick) and Norm Emblem