The Family of Doug Fowles is saddened to announce that on Saturday, June 18, 2022, Doug died suddenly in Victoria, BC. Anyone who knew Doug would know that family was the heart of his world. “Pops” will be remembered by daughter Cynthia (Mark), son Paul (Michelle), daughter Corinne (Dom) and son Doug Jr (AKA Dougie), grandchildren Danielle (Curtis), Cameron (Layla), Devin (Amanda), Monica, Haydn and Callum and great-grandson Theo.
Although shocked by this sudden loss, as we speak with his many friends, we are consoled by everyone’s kind words about him. We know he will be missed.
Born and raised in Toronto (specifically, “The Junction”), Doug attended local elementary schools and Humberside Collegiate. He maintained life-long friendships with several of his school chums. He fondly reminisced about growing up with extended family in the house and working at various jobs as a young teen. His family moved “out West” in 1959 to Toronto Township (which would later become the City of Mississauga).
In the 1960s, Doug married Eleanor and started his own family with Cynthia, Paul, Corinne and Dougie. The family travelled extensively and enjoyed trips to Mexico and the Caribbean, skiing trips to Quebec and Aspen, jaunts to many parts of the US, and a memorable drive from Mississauga to Victoria in the summer of ’76. Doug also did quite a bit of solo travelling, visiting many countries including China, Israel and England.
Doug volunteered with several charities including Community Living Mississauga, the Hazel McCallion Foundation for the Arts, Culture and Heritage, Living Arts Centre Foundation, Mississauga Opera Company and the Mayor’s Golf Tournament committee. In 2014, he was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Mississauga. He received an Ontario Service Award as well as many awards within Community Living Mississauga and a Mississauga Civic Award of Recognition in 2013.
Doug was a significant influence on the development and growth of Mississauga over the past fifty-plus years. His family and friends were so proud when he was named Mississauga’s Citizen of the Year in 2018, in acknowledgement of his many years contributing to the community.
Retirement was not in Doug’s plan and he was still working at the time of his death, keeping his mind active. He was looking forward to relocating to Victoria to spend more time with family and returning to Toronto for a family wedding in July. Although it was too soon for him to leave us, we are comforted knowing he was happy and still very actively involved in all of the things that gave his life meaning: family, friends, community and work.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorial donations made to Community Living Mississauga, the Heart and Stroke Foundation or your favourite charity.
Doug’s final resting place will be at the family plot in Toronto (Sanctuary Park). A Celebration of Life will take place on Monday, July 25, 2022, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, at the Mississauga Golf and Country Club.
“A good life leaves behind seeds that keep on growing.” ~ Unknown
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Josef Ebner
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Scott and Jose MacLaren Our deepest sympathies for Cynthia , Mark and family on the loss of your Dad ! So sorry we can’t be with you on this special celebration of his life , but hope you can gather strength from the memories and the family and friends that surround you !! Sending you special prayers and warm hugs Jose, Scott and MacLaren family
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Bob and Jane Barlow I met Doug in grade 10 at HCI and remember well those cold morning swims in Phys.Ed. We remained very good friends throughout the years, and if it were not for Doug inviting Jane and me, now my wife of over 25 years, to his daughter Corine’s wedding at the Old Mill, I would be a lonely man. Doug helped me immensely in the 80’s, and throughout subsequent years when I moved my business to Mississauga. Doug was most instrumental in assisting me to integrate into the business community. The Mayor’s Gala was always a big plus. He will be forever missed and fondly remembered. Jane and I convey our sincere condolences to his family at this difficult time.
Jane & Bob Barlow
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Ted and Sharron Smith I met Doug in 1960 when we found ourselves double dating during our teenage years. We drove to New York City together and attended a ball game. He moved to Mississauga with his family and once I completed university, I settled there as well. Doug was a member of my wedding party when I married Sharron in 1967. We remained friends and socialized with his growing family and ours. Doug and I coached a hockey team for 1 winter. Although our family and career obligations kept us busy, we kept in touch with regular phone calls and lunches, the most recent lunch at our home last March. We were looking forward to seeing him again this July when he returned from Victoria for his grandson’s wedding.
He was a fine friend and I’m proud of all his contributions to his community and his family. I was unaware of how many awards he received in his lifetime until I read his obituary. He was a humble man with a big heart. I will really miss him.Ted Smith
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Dianna & Barry & Bobby Mr. Fowles was part of our family for more than fifty years.
He was the person that “always showed up”.
It is with a blend of sadness and satisfaction we say:
“Well done Mr. Fowles. You lived a great life”.
With all our hearts thank you for being part of our lives.
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Joan Stephens I have known Doug for over 25 years and was so shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. Doug was a gentleman and a good person. I am lucky to have lots of fun memoires of our time together. I will miss him. My sincere condolences to his loving family.
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Tom & Shirley Roden We are very sorry for the loss of your dad. Hopefully the memories of the wonderful years together will help you through this difficult time. We will miss our friend
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Sue and Bill Cathers Cynthia,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your dad looks and sounds like a wonderful person. Big hugs to you and your family.Fondly Sue and Bill
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Martin McClure Sincerest condolences to the Fowles family on the loss of your lovely Father Doug Senior. I will never forget the generosity extended by the Fowles family to a young Irish guy on his first ever trans Atlantic journey to Toronto in 1986. DOUG, Eleanor, Corinne, Cynthia, Dougie and Paul were always kind and considerate as led by their parents. Rest in piece Doug and may God comfort the Fowles family at this very sad time.
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Lisa Kneitl My condolences to the family and friends. I knew him as “Uncle Doug” and fondly remember the trip to the lake when I visited in 1980, and I enjoyed him taking me out on his boat, and going so fast!! Always a twinkle in his eye, you will be missed!!
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Doug & Dorothy Kilner and Family After having lost such a close friend who I’ve known for 55 years I can only imagine the loss to the family Who have known him for a lifetime.
What I will always remember of Doug is that we were always laughing, with,at, and about each other. No better friend ever lived.
Sincere condolences to the family.
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Charles Sousa Doug often called to meet for breakfast. I enjoyed those meetings. I welcomed his perspective on how he got things done. We shared memories and stories about his many projects. He sincerely wanted to make a positive difference and enable others to succeed. Thank you Doug for all you’ve done and especially your sound advice. You will be missed and forever remembered.
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Bob Gallagher A lot of life long friends were made at HCI. Doug was one of them.. After school with me in construction & Doug a developer, we hooked up. With Doug at S.B.McLaughlin Assoc. we did a few projects. Doug met a financier from London England who was interested in starting a Merchant Bank in Canada & invited him to meet in London.He invited me to come along. After a long meeting, we came out of the building to cross busy Bank street. Doug looked left, stepped on to rd & was hit instantly by a cab coming from his right. Doug lay crumpled on the rd with his broken valise in right hand that took some of the impact. Within minutes we were in the ambulance. While waiting for the X-rays Doug, on crutches, left the hospital with me in tow. Fortunately all turned out well & we returned to Canada. One of my Great memories. To the Fowels family I wish my sincere condolences at the passing of a great friend. And I’ll miss the weekly “funnies” he Emailed to me.
I met Doug in 1981 in Montreal when I was the G.M. of the Sheraton Mt.Royal, which was owned by his company. From the first time we met we hit it off. Throughout the years we stayed in touch. From
February to early May this year I had the pleasure of him staying with me at the Chelsea Hotel before he set out in his Mustang to relocate to Victoria. During his time at the hotel we had the opportunity for many coffees and lunches and I enjoyed listening to his stories.
Doug was a wonderful friend and mentor. I will miss him dearly. May he rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to Corinne, Cynthia, Dougie, Paul and families for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.