Douglas George Skilling
Passed away peacefully at the Mindemoya Hospital on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at the age of 77.
He will be sadly missed by his children, Stephanie, Karen and Craig (Elizabeth), by his brother John and his sister Marion, by grandchildren Sarah, Kayla, Davin, Nick, Aiden and Kaitlyn, by great grandchildren, a few nieces and a nephew.
Born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, Doug was a successful real estate broker in the city until the mid-80’s when he made a move to London, Ontario, to try his hand as a restaurateur. Doug owned and operated the Casey’s Roadhouse in downtown London for several years. Always one to go-for-broke, Doug made and lost a monetary fortune a few times.
In the mid-90’s, Doug lost his sense of balance and was later diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder related to Parkinson’s. It was shortly there after that he moved to Manitoulin Island and, ultimately, to M’Chigeeng First Nation where he was able to live independently and year-round in his trailer.
In an effort to remain mobile on the Island, Doug became an avid hitch-hiker. He was extremely grateful to and loved meeting everyone who offered him a ride. Also grateful to those who didn’t run him over.
Doug loved watching news, sports, and his beloved dogs run in and out of his usually open door.
Doug’s true passion however, was good food and eating well. He was a great cook.
Shocked to discover one day how much perfectly good food is being tossed away into those big garbage bins behind grocery stores, Doug began his tenure as a dumpster diver. His effort not only supplied he and his friends with free good food it also landed him an interview on CBC’s Morning North with Marcus Schwabe – who Doug listened to every morning.
Born without all the usual filters, Doug was constantly challenging the status quo. A real-life mixed box of chocolates Forest Gump, Doug’s long run to remain independent was sadly cut short falling through cracks in the long-term care system.
Heart-felt thanks to many special people who helped Doug along the way. Special thanks to the staff at the Mindemoya Hospital.
No service is planned at this time. A remembrance of his life will happen come spring. Those wishing to make a donation on his behalf can do so toward the Wikwemikoong not-for-profit Nursing Home or a local Pet Save.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Douglas G Skilling 2018.
Source:Island Funeral Home Limited
Décès pour la Ville: Little Current, Province: Ontario
