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Jeff Holmes posted a condolence
Friday, February 21, 2025
I had the very good fortune to share Speaker duties at OTF with Doug on several occasions. He was both an excellent parliamentarian and an engaging companion.
My condolences to his family. I’m sure great memories of happy times will sustain you through your grieving and far beyond. Doug was “one of the good ones”
Jeff Holmes
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Marshall and Annilee Jarvis donated to The Bruce Trail Conservancy
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Our most sincere condolences on the passing of Doug. His professionalism, wisdom and calming influence were always evident, and much respected.
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Bernie VanDenBelt posted a condolence
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Doug was a modern Renaissance man, a man of diverse interests and talents whose smile and zest for life were infectious.
Equally at home in the classroom, in the chair at an OECTA AGM or in his bee yard - on a windsurf board, bicycle or stage - Doug embraced life fully. He was a treasured friend and trusted mentor to many, ourselves included. What a privilege it was to have known and worked with this incredibly kind, compassionate and generous soul.
Our deepest condolences go to Trudy, Stephanie and the entire family on your loss. Doug's commitment to family shone through, and he was so incredibly proud of you all.
The depth of our collective grief is a mark of our tremendous love for him. He was one of a kind.
Bernie & Christine VanDenBelt
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Domenic posted a condolence
Thursday, February 13, 2025
My sincere condolences to Stephanie , and family. May his memory be eternal. God bless him and all of you.
Sincerely,
Domenic Anello ~
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Pamela Blokker uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, February 13, 2025
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We shared many "over-the-fence" and backyard visits through the 30+ years as neighbours. Doug was always busy in his backyard and took great pride in his beautiful gardens which they shared bountifully with neighbours and friends.
Together, Doug and Trudy shared in our family's special celebrations... anniversaries, weddings and our joys of new Grandchildren. Doug was particularly interested in our youngest daughter's health and living arrangements when she was accepted to Harbour Home , a group home within the Anchor Association, and inquired extensively of it's Christian care and treatment of God's special children. Doug was a quiet and kind man. Never rushed! Always willing to lend and ear and sometimes a warm embrace when we were faced with some of life's trials.
Trudy, Stephanie and family, we are truly sorry for your loss. Doug will be sadly missed but our many memories through the years will always be cherished.
With much love
Henry and Pamela Blokker and family.
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Joanne Armstrong posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Dear Trudy and Stephanie,
I am sending my heartfelt prayers and sympathy to you both and all of your family on the saddest loss of your dearly loved husband and father. I was truly blessed to have Doug as my principal at the start of my teaching career at St. Plus X from 1981-1985. Doug genuinely cared about every child and staff member. He was always there to support me in both my professional and personal life, and I will be forever grateful for that. Doug was a confidence builder, and as a new teacher, that meant so much. Building community was a top priority for Doug, and as a result, St. Pius X was a place of love and respect for one another. Staff gatherings were always filled with fun and laughter. I will always treasure the memories made during my time at St. Plus. May you all receive the gifts of peace, hope, comfort, and strength on your very difficult grief journey. Hugs and blessings, Joanne Armstrong (McNorgan)
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Jan Telfer posted a condolence
Monday, February 10, 2025
Doug was a very kind, thoughtful man. I was a new bee keeper and a mutual friend, Fran Shamley, introduced me to Doug. He became my mentor and was a tremendous help. I have always been so grateful for all his guidance. Thinking of his lovely family at this most difficult time.
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Jennifer Paul-O'Donnell posted a condolence
Monday, February 10, 2025
Doug had a huge impact on Peter and my life. In 1975 while we were attending teacher’s college he initiated a unique program at St. Jude’s for 12 students starting in January 1976. We spent half days at St. Jude’s and the other half at the College. We were linked with a team of teachers and fully participated in planning, teaching lessons, parent interviews and even had input into writing report cards. What a great support and learning opportunity for the two of us. Doug took a personal interest in each of us hoping this model could someday be used for many more than 12 It made a huge difference to us.
Later in my teaching career I worked with Doug at OLI and received much encouragement again from him to be the best I could be in what ever role I had in education. He was a great sounding board.
Several years later as a beginning principal Doug and his friend Darcy offered guidance and encouragement to me as I learned how to deal with the challenges this role faced. Knowing Doug changed my life and I know that the gentle man he was impacted so many. Peter and I offer our condolences to his family and friends.
As we are out of the country we won’t be able to attend his funeral but will be thinking of him and those who gather in his memory.
Thank you Doug.
Jennifer Paul-O’Donnell
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Anne Masek posted a condolence
Thursday, February 6, 2025
I had the privilege of knowing Doug while I was teaching with Trudy. I always said he was a gentleman and a gentle man. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
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Vic Young posted a condolence
Thursday, February 6, 2025
I am very sad to learn of the passing of one of my favourite people. Unfortunately, we are away so it won't be possible for us to pay our respects in person bu Cherry and I want to send our condolences and wish Trudy and the family the strength to deal with the loss of this wonderful man.
Vic Young.
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Anne Giesen posted a condolence
Thursday, February 6, 2025
I'm sorry to hear of Doug's passing. I have many fond memories of our time together at Our Lady Immaculate and St. Marguerite. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Anne Giesen
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John Barry posted a condolence
Thursday, February 6, 2025
To Doug’s Family,
Although I haven’t had the privilege of meeting you, I wanted to share my deep respect and appreciation for Doug, whom I knew quite well. I was first introduced to him through my wife, Cheryl, who worked with him as a mentor during his time as a principal. She always spoke so highly of his wisdom, patience, and ability to guide others with kindness and integrity.
I later had the good fortune of working with Doug directly during a particularly challenging situation involving a parent association. The matter was serious, as the aggrieved parent was preparing to go public with their concerns. Despite being retired, Doug had taken on work as a mediator and consultant, stepping in to support complex situations like this one.
In just a few short days and after two or three meetings, Doug was able to bring calm to what had felt like an unresolvable conflict. His ability to listen, empathize, and find solutions ensured that all was settled peacefully. The principal at the center of the situation went on to become a Director, a testament to Doug’s ability to not only resolve issues but to help others grow in the process.
Doug was an inspiration—not just in his leadership, but in the way he carried himself with quiet strength and unwavering dedication to those he served. His presence was deeply felt wherever he worked, including during my time at Al, and he will be profoundly missed.
My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones. May you find comfort in knowing how much Doug’s wisdom and kindness impacted so many.
With deepest sympathy,
John Barry
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Graham Brown posted a condolence
Thursday, February 6, 2025
I had the pleasure of working with Doug at Althouse College for a number of years. He was a delightful colleague, full of passion, good humour, and an abiding love for his profession and those in it. May he rest in peace.
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John Ruypers posted a condolence
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Although I was never in a school teaching situation with Doug, I, nonetheless, benefited significantly from his teaching. Doug and I interacted in professional development, association meetings, and social gatherings. Each time I met Doug, I was inspired to be a better teacher and a better human being. I continue to have fond recollections of his vignettes and his wisdom. He made the world a much better place. My deep condolences to Trudy, Stephanie and family. John Ruypers (and Jan Ruypers)
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Cheryl Fullerton posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
I want to extend my sincere condolences to Trudy and to all of Doug’s family.
I had the privilege of meeting Doug during my years as president of Brant OECTA (such a close relationship with the London unit in those days), and getting to know him better when I joined the OECTA staff almost 25 years ago.
One of my early staff assignments was as the provincial staff liaison to the Legislation Committee and as a result worked closely with Doug in his role on the Speaker’s Bureau. He patiently worked with the members of the Committee to teach and assist them with the task of preparing for the Annual General Meeting and to guide them from the podium at Council meetings, and the AGM. There was no better Parliamentarian than Doug and he was good enough to share his wisdom with so many others in OECTA who followed in his footsteps.
He was one the most kind, gentle, patient and generous men I’ve ever met and I feel fortunate to have learned from him, enjoyed his storytelling and to have shared many laughs with him over more than 20 years. .
Doug was one of a kind and those of us who were lucky to know him, will always treasure the many memories we have of those memorable times.
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Mary Jansen posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
❤️35 years ago, dearest Doug McCarthy welcomed me, when starting my career as an educational assistant at Our Lady Immaculate School in Strathroy.
I was blessed to have him as my first principal. Doug was a great leader. Created a friendly fun environment, which inspired a very close-knit community.
To this day, I am still friends with many staff from that time.
It is special that Doug’s funeral is on Valentine’s Day. Once, on this day, he and his vice-principal Bill Neville, went to every classroom, giving each staff person a red or white carnation. Another time, when I was having a challenging moment with a student, Doug advised me…
”Win him over with love.”
Our three children attended O.L.I. during his principalship. This gave the added fond memories of attending parent council meetings. We accomplished much and had so many laughs.
Doug started a new tradition, with grade 8 graduation. After the mass & graduation ceremony, we had a full dinner, followed with a dance. The first dance was very special, being for the mother/sons or father/daughters.
His wonderful gift of being a speaker, gave our son the opportunity to join the Toastmaster club for senior students.
Doug’s love of theatre gave students and staff, the joy of putting on an annual musical production.
I also had the blessing of working with Trudy, an amazing, kind, loving teacher, at Sir Arthur Carty, in London.
Our heartfelt sympathy to you, Trudy and all of your family.❤️
With all our love,
Mary and Lou Jansen and family
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Rosanna Arduini posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
To the family of Doug McCarthy,
Heartfelt condolences for the loss of this wonderful man. I have known Doug for 14 years during my employment at Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association. My first AGM was overwhelming and at the front of a large podium stood Doug, instructing us the delegates how to behave and the procedures to follow. He was mesmerizing. He was engaging. I always looked forward to going to Council, meetings and AGMs knowing Doug will be presiding.
I will always treasure my memories of Doug.
Here's a hug to the family and thanking you for sharing Doug's time with us.
Rosanna Arduini
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Donna Marie Kennedy posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Doug was the ultimate gentleman and gentle man. I had the privilege of working with Doug for many years in OECTA. He was the consummate professional both in the educational field and in his role as speaker. When he was in the chair at any Annual General Meeting he had the full control and respect of the house. I was lucky to have known him
Donna Marie Kennedy
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Patrick Moran posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Doug, a truly remarkable principal, mentor and friend. Doug’s dedication to education was unparalleled. He inspired countless students and colleagues with wisdom and kindness.
His fun-loving spirit and approach to life made him a respected leader and friend. We have fond memories of our wind-surfing adventures, bike trips and performing in school musical theatre
productions together.
Doug’s legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Patrick and Teresa Moran
A Memorial Tree was planted for Douglas McCarthy
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Donohue Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of Douglas Luke McCarthy uploaded a photo
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
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