SMITH, Douglas Robert - Passed away on Thursday, November 19, 2020 in Bowmanville, Ontario at the age of 84.
Doug is survived by his common law spouse Fern Conacher. His brothers, Rod Smith (Vaughn), Jim Smith (Jeanette) and Frank Smith (Lynn) and by his first wife, Marie Smith (Thomson); his children, Darryl Smith (Jackie), Jane Watkins (John), Wendy Smith (John Pike), Christine Conacher, and Michelle Alferez Conacher (Humberto).
By his grandchildren Taylor, Austin, Angelique, Cheyenne, Dakota, Christopher, Chantal, Jade, Sam, Jaimie, Katie, Allie, Leonardo, Benjamin and Analena along with great grandchildren, Addison, Mila, Elliot and Norah.
He is preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth (Bessie) Bailey, step-mother Mary Alberta Benham, father Francis Ross Smith, and his sisters Margaret H. Turner (Bill), and Joan M. Wallace (Ted).
Doug was born on February 2, 1936 in Kirkland Lake, Ontario to Bessie and Francis Smith.
After the death of his mother from Tuberculosis in August 1938, he and his younger brother Rod, were moved to foster homes in the Toronto area. This helped develop Doug’s resiliency as Rod described “we would adapt to our situation and not spend a lot of time talking about it.”
The family was reunited in Kirkland Lake four years later when his father remarried.
After retiring from the TDSSB, he continued to supply teach part time for several years with the Durham Region Public School Board. Doug married Marie F. Thomson and they raised three children, Darryl, Jane, and Wendy.
Doug met his common law partner Fern Conacher 19 years ago. He was blessed to find someone with a similar sense of wit and zest for life. He found peace and love in their relationship and was very happy.
His family grew to encompass Fern’s two daughters Christine and Michelle and their children.
For those lucky enough to have known Doug, their lives were enriched by his presence and by his example of how wonderful we all can be. He will be forever loved and truly missed by those who knew him.
Doug requested that there be no funeral. Instead, the family will celebrate his life at a later date (due to COVID-19 restrictions).
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Sick Kids or War Amps.
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