Obituary of Douglas Earle Wignall
With broken hearts we share that Doug passed away on New Year’s Eve after a battle with cancer.
He is survived by his loving wife Gladys, his daughters Jill (Steven), Riley (Josh), and Kacy (Alex) and two beautiful grandchildren, Marlo and Jonas. He also leaves behind siblings Carol (Jim), Barbara (Bruce), Richard (Judy), and his sisters-in-law Helen, Mary, Liz, and Theresa. Doug was lucky to have many wonderful nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Barbara and Douglas Wignall Sr.
Doug lived an active life. He played basketball in high school, and enjoyed water skiing, scuba diving, fishing, skiing, squash, tennis, going to the gym, and daily walks. Golf was his favourite sport of all. He frequently played local courses and charity tournaments. He also took trips to hit the green abroad whenever possible.
In his career, he was a passionate educator, teaching co-op, drafting, and wood shop to thousands of students at KCI and Jacob Hespeler high schools in the KW region. He loved helping his students prepare for future careers.
To know Doug was to have loved him. He always had a helping hand to offer, whether it was snowblowing sidewalks for neighbors, teaching his daughters to put on their winter tires, or lending his time, tools, and expertise in carpentry to friends. He loved life and never took shortcuts when something had to be done: popping champagne often, barbecuing outside in the dead of winter, hitting the dance floor at every wedding, crooning at karaoke, and enjoying family trips to the cottage for quality time. His practical personality was balanced by his sentimental nature–he loved nothing more than to hear his kids laugh together and gave the biggest, warmest bear hugs.
His booming, unforgettable laugh filled up every room, and his powerful whistle could silence any crowd, calling his young daughters home as the streetlights came on. Dad was our papa bear, our Dougie Fresh, our Douglas Fir, our viking, and we know he is now resting happily in Valhalla (if you know, you know.)
Special thanks to the wonderful staff at WRHN Midtown, Queens Blvd, and Chicopee, and Dr. Nguyen, the staff, and volunteers at the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton for care during his treatment. Thanks also to our Waterloo neighbours for shovelling the sidewalks and checking in frequently during dad’s illness. Your care has made all the difference in this difficult time.
Cremation has taken place. In accordance with Doug’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life open house will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton or the Food Bank of Waterloo Region may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com.