John Arton Doughty
Posted By Egan Funeral Home On July 22, 2019 @ 5:17 pm In Bolton Area,Obituaries | 21 Comments
John Arton Doughty, beloved husband of Susan (née Pearson) for 58 years, died peacefully at Bethell Hospice, after living with bone cancer for the past 8 years. John is survived by children Sarah (Dan Clark), Angus (Sian Leyshon), Michael (Lesley), and Hamish, and his cherished grandchildren Tavish, Kynyn, Erik, Zach, Samantha, and James, and his sister Karen (Lloyd Latour). A visitation will be held in Christ Church Anglican, 22 Nancy Street, Bolton on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at 9:30 AM, with a Celebration of Life to follow at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethell Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 75, Stn Main, Inglewood L7C 3L6.
John grew up in Coventry, England during WWII, and lost his father at a young age. Raised by his mother (Mary Simm), John never let the hardships of life in post-war Britain dampen his eternal optimism. A better life in Canada was just what John was after when he emigrated in 1958. That dream materialized soon after, when he met his love Susan, on a canoe trip in Algonquin Park.
John began apprenticing as a tool and die maker after high school, rather than continuing his schooling. He found work with Stelco in Canada, but never lost his passion for learning. Insatiably curious, he read widely, on topics ranging from theology and philosophy, to ecology and the natural world. In retirement he learned to play the piano, took computer courses and joined the church choir
John was always active in the community — serving as a warden at Christ Church Bolton, coaching or refereeing youth sports teams, and being instrumental in helping the fledgling Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association establish their 15km trail system across Caledon.
John loved the outdoors. From canoeing and family camping, to daily runs and walks in the Caledon area, John found wonder in the natural world around him. The outdoors was also his gym. He completed two marathons, became the Canadian masters’ steeplechase champion at the age of 55, and paddled his canoe in 247 consecutive months before illness and winter conspired to end his streak.
The eternal child in John made him the perfect playmate for all his grandchildren. His improvised outdoor play structures may not have passed today’s safety standards, and a trip to visit Pops (on the banks of the Humber River) was affectionately known as going to “Camp Danger”. John had a special relationship with his oldest grandson, Tavish. Tavish opened the doors, John made the introductions, and they were almost always welcomed, whether it was to have tea with the monks at a Buddhist temple, to join in with a zumba fitness class at a local community centre, or to enjoy the weekly rehearsals of the Caledon Concert Band. They had each other and a whole world to explore at their own pace.
In September of 2017, after a very difficult summer, John took the courageous step of ceasing his chemo treatments, and entered Bethell Hospice. However, he surprised everyone again, and was ‘kicked out’ after two months because he no longer showed any imminent signs of dying. He may be the only Bethell ‘graduate’ to have participated in their own fundraising hike. As John’s cancer progressed, and his care needs exceeded what could be provided for at home, he moved back to Bethell Hospice. The relationships he had established, and the compassionate care he received, ensured that his final days were spent peacefully — surrounded by loving family, friends, staff and volunteers.
Arrangements by Egan Funeral Home, Bolton (905-857-2213)
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Condolences for the family of “John Arton Doughty”
Dear Sarah:
I wish to send condolences to you and your family as I have just heard about your father’s passing. I’m so sorry for your loss as your father was a treasure to all of you. Clark remembers coaching your younger brother at hockey and your dad was always your brother’s biggest fan.
Your Macville family, the tall and the small, will hold you close in our hearts as you walk the difficult steps of this part of life’s journey.
Andrea King-Judge
So sorry to hear of John’s passing…he was a gentle man and a good neighbour. Sending our love to Susan and the family.
I’ve retold many stories of “Camp Danger ” to my son, who finds these to be some of his favourite bedtime stories.
I’m thoughts are with all the Doughtys now
What I remember are seemingly endless summer days in the Doughty back garden building forts, swinging on the tree swing, crossing a field filled with cow patties to hunt in the woods for fiddle heads and puffballs for Susan to fry for supper, and corn, corn, corn until we could eat no more unless it was the fresh picked berries and cream or trifle. And canoeing and portaging in Algonquin park, sleeping bags and lie-lows in heavy canvas tents. John loved to sing funny songs—the one I remember the most was about a logger who stirred his coffee with his thumb! And if memory serves me right after nearly 50 years Oh my Darling, Oh my darling Oh my darling Clementine—Thank you John!
Dear Susan and all of John’s Family,
I have fond memories of John during my many years of attending Christ Church. He was always kind, pleasant to talk to, and all- round nice man. He contributed a lot to Christ Church. Rest in Peace John!
Jeanette Briere
Dear Family.
So sorry to hear of the John’s passing…..our sincere and deepest condolences to all of you at this very sad time. We would regularly see each other at Coffee Time….he will be missed.
Sending our hugs and prayers.
Darlene Avram and Family
So sorry for your loss, Hamish and co, our thoughts and prayers are with you guys xo
Betty & Bob Allen
We send our sincere condolences to you Susan and the family. Every time we drive by we often think of the many fun times we had skating on the river, and the delicious food following. John and you have made so many happy memories for so many of us, and hopefully these many wonderful times you both so generously shared with all of us will carry you through the next few days and weeks.
I have many fond memories visiting the Doughty’s as a child, skating on the river and playing hockey, eating puffball for the first time, watching Sarah Highland dancing and playing with Hamish. I remember John very much as an outdoorsman and have a lasting memory of him in a kayak. My sincere condolences to the family.
Dear Susan and all the Family
Remembering all the old and good hockey times with the Doughtys’
I really liked reading John’s story, thank you for sharing that.
My very sincere condolences, he will be missed.
Dear Susan, Sarah, Angus, Michael and Hamish and families,
Thinking of you all and sending sincere condolences. Mom and Dad have kept me up to date with John’s condition over the last few years. When our families would get together over the years, I was pretty young, but what I remember most was there was always laughter – lots and lots of laughter. As I now work in palliative care in the community, I must applaud you on keeping John home and well cared for. I also love that he “graduated” from his first stay at the hospice – and to go on to participate in their fundraisers. What a fantastic ambassador for the hospice! And an incredible part of his legacy. He will be deeply missed.
Thinking of you all and sending condolences,
Hazel White (nee Coles)
Thinking of you both Angus and Sian at this difficult time. I know how much he meant to both of you and especially Tavish. Sheila and John
Len and I are very sad to hear of John’s passing. He was always kind, supportive and had great inner strength. Our condolences to his family.
What a beautifully written tribute / description. My sympathies and condolences on your loss.
To the Doughty family, we express our deepest sympathy for the loss of John. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. We hope for the family that your memories bring you comfort. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Bruno & Rosa Cella and everyone at Cella Auto
Dear Susan, Sarah, Angus, Michael, Hamish and families
We were so sad to hear of John’s passing. We send our love and sincere condolences during this difficult time.
We the Valerio family feel privileged to have known John. Over the years John never seemed to change.
He represented for us a “Spirit of Canada’ which we had to leave behind when we returned to the UK in the 70s. John was a gentleman of faith always ready to talk and listen, and so kind and generous.
However, now he is with his Lord and we must be joyful for him. What a wonderful legacy of faith, memories, adventure and bravery he has left for us.
Lesley, Greg, Mike and Doug (who has previously sent his condolences)
Dearest Family,
I offer my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to you all. What a treasure to care for John and meet all of you. Best wishes and hugs.
Connie
Dear Susan, Sarah, Angus, Michael, Hamish and all your families,
We send our love and sincere condolences on John’s passing.
Our families became fast friends when we first met at Kearney Lake in Algonquin Park some 50 years ago.
Many fond memories of annual reunions, canoeing, kayaking, visits and letters.
John’s kindness and passion for the outdoors and zest for life continues to be an inspiration to all of us.
Arms around you all.
Yvonne, Marcel, Roy, Mirjam, Tamara, Kartini & Tuan VanderSluis
Dear Family,
We have lived a few doors down from John for over 20 years. Almost anyone else who lives in a house for 20 years is considered a oldie, but living across from John and Irene and Carol, we are still among the newbies on the street. I believe that John and family came in the mid 1960’s.
Over our 20 years here, we saw John and Susan and family regularly as we walked or drove past. Visitors to their home were frequent with always another car in the driveway. During the winter, we are always invited to walk across their property to get to our lovely “river circle” instead of using the treacherous stairs. We passed John often on this river circle as we had a dog for most of our years and were at the circle at least once per day. I well remember the day that John and I stood in the rain and he told me of his bone cancer. He said he was not ready to go and he was right as he had a significant number of years thereafter.
John and I bonded over birds, describing sightings and different species. We saw John and Susan at Cold Creek, Palgrave and Albion Hills too. Loving the outdoors and canoe tripping too we talked about routes in Algonquin comparing our favourites and our stories. I once attempted to convert him to a “Killarney man” describing the bald cliffs, the clear lakes, the fewer portages and hikes with incredible views. However, the quiet consistent beauty of Algonquin could not be out swayed by the cliffs and views of Killarney. That seems to be the best analogy of his life. A life well lived, the simple and quiet things deeply appreciated, his thoughtfully engagement in everything he saw and his cherished family and community.
He will be missed. Our condolences to both family and community. Alyson Jurrius and Jim van der Mey
I really enjoyed hearing stories of ‘Pop’s’ even though I have never met him. Thank you for sharing. Hugs to the Doughty Family.
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“Pops” was an inspiration to the Huet family with his endless patience and sense of adventure. As our daughters socialized with his granddaughter Kynyn and grandson Tavish he was very ready to include them as part of the family
and encouraged their fun loving free spirit. He will be fondly remembered in our household as I am sure he is in many.
Our thoughts are with you as you grieve. I know many fond memories will be cherished by all of you.
Mike, Chris, Ashley and Elise