Obituary of Douglas Billingsley

BILLINGSLEY, Douglas

It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Douglas on January 11, 2024, at the age of 85. Loving husband and best friend of Wendy (Guerin) for 45 years. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by family.

Doug was the much loved father of Shaun (Donna). He was predeceased by his oldest son Rob (Wendy). He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Mark, Brittany, Dan and Kyle and his four great grandchildren, Robbie, Dex, Scarlett and Phoenix. He was predeceased by his grandson Daniel.

He is survived by his sister Sheila, predeceased by his parents, his brother Bill and his sister Vera.  He will be missed by many nieces and nephews and extended family far and wide.

Doug was born and raised in Huntsville. He served in the Canadian Air Force from the age of 17 and retired after 22 years. He then embarked on a second career as an Occupational Health and Safety Officer with the Ontario Ministry of Labour for 25 years.

Doug and Wendy spent the majority of their married life at Ruth Lake surrounded by bush and water and their beloved furry friends. It was their heaven on earth where many family memories were created and experienced.

Doug was a strong believer in volunteering and dedicated many hours of his time to hockey leagues, his church, the Powassan Legion and the Powassan Masonic Lodge. He was recognized by the Canadian Blood Services at a national gala in Ottawa for his 25 plus years of volunteering.

Doug took an active role in his battle with Parkinson’s and fought till the end. He believed in being part of the solution thus he participated in several medical studies through the Toronto Western Hospital.  He continues this involvement in research, even after death, as he has gifted his brain to Parkinson’s research.

We would like to sincerely thank all the medical staff for providing exceptional care and hugs during his battle.

Our hearts are lighter now because he is at peace.

Visitation will be held in the Martyn Funeral Home on Friday, January 19, 2024, from 11 am-1 pm. A Masonic Memorial Service will be held in the Martyn Funeral Home Chapel at 1:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life Service, with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the Toronto Western Hospital Research Foundation.

Mail in donation, please address the cheque to:

UHN Foundation

190 Elizabeth Street

R. Fraser Elliott Building, 5^th Floor, 55-801

Toronto ON M5G 2C4

Phone 1-877 846 4483

Donation can be done online, please use the following link:

https://support.uhnfoundation.ca/site/Donation2?1486.donation=form1&df_id=1486&mfc_pref=T

Direct the donation to "Other" and type in "Movement Disorders Research".