DOUGLAS GEORGE WAMBOLD
May 23, 1940 - March 21, 2024
Funeral Details: A celebration of life will be held at Midhurst United Church, 91 Doran Road, Midhurst on Saturday April 27th at 2pm with visitation at 1pm. Reception to follow.
It is with great sadness our family announces the passing of Doug on March 21st at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, Ontario. He had been battling heart disease for 20 years.
Doug was born in Kitchener, Ontario on May 23, 1940. A devoted family man, he is survived by his wife, Jane; his daughter Lisa (Murray Farbridge); as well as his sister, Ruth (Jim) of Kitchener. Doug took a loving interest in his two grandchildren, Anna and Alex. He is predeceased by his parents, Leonard and Edna Wambold of Collingwood, Ontario, and his son, Mark of Auckland, New Zealand.
Doug spent his younger years in Kitchener and then as a teenager in Collingwood. As a child he learned from his parents to appreciate nature and had a good eye and ear for birding. Summers, Doug fished at the Collingwood docks, while in winter, he perfected his turns on the Blue Mountain ski slopes. He enjoyed regaling others with stories of childhood hijinks with his cousins.
By the time of age 18, he had graduated with his ARCT (Solo Performance) in piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Following high school, Doug received his teaching certificate from Lakeshore Teacher’s College in Toronto and a B.A from York University. He joined the Toronto Men Teacher’s Choir as the piano accompanist and started teaching at public schools in downtown Toronto. For most of his career he held various vice principal positions with the Simcoe Country District School Board, until his retirement from Minesing Central Public School in 1995.
Doug started travelling the world in his early 20’s and continued late-in-life until health issues prevented him. In 1970, he met his wife, Jane, while touring Auckland, New Zealand. They married in 1971 and moved to Midhurst, Ontario where they raised two children, Mark and Lisa. As a father, Doug instilled a great sense of adventure, responsibility, curiosity, and especially humour in his children. He was a great friend to many, with his wit still apparent in his final days.
Doug was involved in many activities throughout his life. When younger, he could play a mean game of squash and did not like to lose! In the 1980’s and early 90’s, he was the much-loved musical director at Midhurst United Church, plus the pianist for many musical theatre productions with the Teacher’s Music Theatre Workshop. A big hobby of Doug’s from childhood was a fascination with mineralogy. For 31 years he pursued this interest as a business, including lots of family road-trips with travel-trailer in tow.
In his more senior years, Doug became known as a snappy dresser, especially liking vibrant colours. He loved going on cruises with his wife, Jane, forever his ‘bride’.
As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Cardio-Respiratory Unit at RVH https://www.rvh.on.ca/areas-of-care/simcoe-muskoka-regional-heart-program-smrhp/cardio-respiratory-treatment-clinic/ or the Midhurst United Church https://www.midhurstunitedchurch.ca/donate/
Online condolences can be made through Peaceful Transition (Simcoe) at: www.peacefultransition.ca
Brent Fillingham
Posted on: Monday, March 25, 2024I’m very sorry for your loss, Doug was a great guy with a great sense of humour and insight, along with his many talents. My sincere condolences.
Gilda Hogan
Posted on: Tuesday, March 26, 2024Deepest condolences, Jane and to your family as well.
I will miss Doug’s presence at our Probus meetings; he always had a ready smile.
May your many years together and your cherished memories bring you solace in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Gilda Hogan & Gord McGregor
Dan, Shelley Lambert
Posted on: Tuesday, March 26, 2024Dear Jane, we are sorry to hear about Doug’s passing. We always enjoyed our mineral show visits with you both. May you find comfort in all your happy memories of Doug. Sending our thoughts and prayers. Dan and Shelley
Dick and Heather Farmery
Posted on: Tuesday, March 26, 2024Jane and family,
So sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. We have many fond memories of our association through our mineral interests, including clubs, field collecting and shows. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family as you adjust to life without him. Your memories of a life well lived and enjoyed will help sustain you
Dick and Heather
Jane Beaton(Lynch)
Posted on: Tuesday, March 26, 2024My condolences to you Jane and your family.
Evelyn Ansley
Posted on: Wednesday, March 27, 2024So sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. Enjoyed our time doing many teacher productions on stage. Good Bless. Evelyn Ansley
Ian Cook
Posted on: Wednesday, March 27, 2024My sincere condolences to Jane and family. I will remember fondly the occasional calls to confirm a bird sighting, and the wondrous collection of minerals. I always enjoyed running into him at church or on the streets of Midhurst
Robert and Carol McGauley
Posted on: Wednesday, March 27, 2024As a cousin we will remember him forever. RIP Doug and our sincere condolences to you Jane and the children. Plans are being made for the Sault Ste. Marie and London McGauley cousins to be with you Saturday April 27th. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Robert (Bob) and Carol McGauley
Barbara Keill
Posted on: Wednesday, March 27, 2024Sincere condolences in the passing of Doug Wambold. Although many years have passed since we worked together at Oakley Park School, he is remembered fondly. We shared many recollections of each of our travels to New Zealand. A true gentleman; he will be missed.
Barb Stoliker
Posted on: Friday, March 29, 2024The Farbridge family would like to express our sincere condolences. His musical talent is sure to be carried into the next generation by his dear grandson Alex. So sad that Doug is gone but happy that he is no longer suffering.❤️
Alison Fillingham
Posted on: Sunday, March 31, 2024I am very sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. He was always an engaging and light hearted person and ready for a good time! Thinking of you, Jane and Lisa in this most difficult time.
Rebecca Trott
Posted on: Monday, April 1, 2024Jane, Lisa and family, you are in my thoughts at this sad time of loss.
As evidenced by the range of people, places, pursuits and passions so lovingly worded to describe his life, his presence will be greatly missed. I’m thinking of you and feeling grateful for knowing such a remarkable person.
Robyn Trott
Posted on: Tuesday, April 2, 2024Sending my sincere condolences to family and friends at this very sad time. May you find comfort and peace in your fond memories of Doug.
Ed Gigg
Posted on: Saturday, April 6, 2024I was very sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I had the pleasure of teaching with Doug at Innisfil Central. He could always be counted on for his keen sense of humour. Judy and I enjoyed meeting he and Jane while camping at Killbear Park. He will be missed.