SYMINGTON, William Douglas 'Doug'

May 3 1937 to April 13 2023

Doug passed away peacefully on the 13th of April, 2023 at Lookout Ridge Retirement Community surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Betty Symington, son Neil Symington, daughter Heather (Tony) Bates; grandsons, Owen and William, son Ken Symington (Katherine); granddaughter Maren, and sister Jane Parish.

Doug was born in Toronto to Graeme and May Symington where he lived with his sister Jane until the family moved to Montreal in 1946. He graduated with a Commerce Degree from Sir George Williams (Concordia) University in 1960 and enjoyed a 42 year career with Douglas and Consumer Glass Packaging starting as a Shipping Department clerk in 1957 and finishing his career as Director of Public Affairs in 1999.

Doug met Betty in Montreal where they married, in 1965, and started their family. They relocated to Burlington in 1976 enjoying many years in the area before he retired. Upon retirement Doug and Betty moved to Fenwick and then Fonthill. It was here that Doug was instrumental in initiating the Newcomers Wine Tasting group, the Probus Club of Pelham and the informal, thought-provoking “Gabfest” sessions. Doug also spearheaded the establishment of the Harold S Bradshaw Memorial Park in Pelham and was a key member of the Niagara Region Waste Management Advisory Committee. It was also in Pelham where Doug joined and valued the company of a scotch tasting group which led to a memorable trip to Scotland.

Doug enjoyed cross country skiing, hiking and canoeing with his family especially in Bronte Creek Provincial Park, Algonquin Provincial Park and the Rocky Mountains near Canmore, Alberta. Curling was an early passion of his, and he played on the Quebec provincial team. Doug’s favourite sport was golf, and over the years he enjoyed memberships at many courses in Ontario and Quebec. He shared his love of the game with many, especially while playing in the senior men’s league at the Port Colborne Golf Club.

His family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff of Lookout Ridge, the Walker Family Cancer Centre and the St. Elizabeth and ParaMed home care providers.

Doug will be dearly missed by his family and friends and will be fondly remembered for his kindness, integrity, and loyalty. A small family celebration will take place at a future date. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to a cause that is special to the donor.
Online condolences and stories may be shared at www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca