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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
SWINDLEY, Douglas Wilson - It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Doug Swindley on Nov 28, 2021, at the age of 102. Doug leaves behind his three loving children, Gary of Chilliwack BC, Joy Honcoop and Sandy Wilson of St Catharines and 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Doug's story began on September 9, 1919, when his parents, Jessie and Alexander welcomed him into the world. Doug was their third child, with Hazel and Don before him and Harold after. In 1940 Doug married the love of his life, Joyce Laugher and they lived inseparably for 68 loving years. During the Second World War, Doug joined the Navy at the age of 22 and upon returning home was determined to build a beautiful home for his family. He spent his evenings at night school learning how to build a house and worked during the day as a millwright at Hayes Steel (later Hayes Dana). Doug built the house on his own and six months after he started, the family moved into their home on Ker St in Merritton where they lived for 29 years. He loved to dance, and he and Joyce joined the Swing and Whirl dance club, where they were active members for years and had many friends. In 1975 he retired, and he and Joyce sold everything and began the adventure of a lifetime traveling throughout North America. They finally settled for six months of the year in Mesa, Arizona where they stayed for 20 winters before returning to St Catharines full time. During those years, they continued to square dance while Joyce took up oil painting and Doug made jewellery and created beautiful wood carvings. After Joyce passed in 2008, Doug stayed busy and found joy with family and friends at Open Mic nights where he continued his love of dancing, and in his later years, his walks to Fairview Mall to join his friends for coffee every morning. Doug was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important - living a life surrounded by those you love.
At Doug's request, there will be no public service. In lieu of service or flowers, Doug asked that everyone who remembers him, to celebrate his life in their own way, but he would be honoured if you would do an unexpected act of kindness for a stranger in his memory.
"I've had a wonderful life, and thank you to all who made it so" - Doug Swindley (The St. Catharines Standard 02 Dec 2021)
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