It is with deep sorrow that the family of Doug Rettie announces his sudden passing at his home in Dryden on the morning of November 2, 2017, at the age of 71.
Doug is survived by Gale, his wife of 44 years, by his daughters Lindsay (Chris Marchand) and Robyn (Ruby-dog), and by his granddaughter Eloise, the sunshine in Papa Doug’s life. Doug is also survived by his mother Peggy Rettie, by his siblings – Mac, Patricia, Martin, Chris, and Martha, and by numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his Father Alex Rettie.
Doug was born in Lindsay, ON. He and his family lived at Four Mile Lake, Port Arthur and Nipigon before settling in Parry Sound. In his youth Doug was a Cadet, took piano lessons, and sang in a high school production of the operetta The Mikado. Music was always a part of his life.
Doug graduated from Parry Sound High School in 1965, then went on to obtain his teaching diploma, graduating from the North Bay Teachers’ College in 1967. Doug taught in Chapleau and Parry Sound before going back to school where he received his Bachelor of Environmental Studies degree at the University of Waterloo in 1973.
Doug married Gale Draycott in Parry Sound on December 25th, 1972. They resided in Seaforth until Doug accepted a teaching position in Vermilion Bay in 1974. Doug and Gale drove off to start a new adventure 1500 kms away. Lindsay was born in 1976 and Robyn was born in 1978. In 1980 Doug and his young family moved to Dryden. Doug taught at numerous schools throughout the School District and found that this was now « home ». The big move to Northwestern Ontario in 1974 was just to be a « 2-year adventure » that has now lasted 43 years.
In the mid-seventies Doug started playing hockey, a new experience for him, on a Vermilion Bay Men’s Team on an outdoor rink. Even though he was somewhat lacking in skill it didn’t matter to him because he so enjoyed the camaraderie and beer. Years passed and eventually he played with the Old Timers. He took referee courses and that started a new passion. Doug was a dedicated hockey official for over 15 years and took pride in training and mentoring new referees.
With Doug’s Scottish heritage, his love of Celtic music, and with encouragement and tutelage from his close friend Terry, Doug joined The Dryden Caledonia Pipe Band as their bass drummer. The Band played for numerous functions in Dryden and the area.
Over the years Doug and Gale have built a strong, loving circle of friends with whom they have shared so much. Doug retired in the year 2000 and this allowed him more time to spend with his family and friends doing the things he loved. This included motorcycling, hunting and fishing, playing cards motorcycling, sketching and painting, taking vacations, motorcycling, learning to play the violin, taking afternoon naps, motorcycling, tinkering around the house and the lake property, swimming with his granddaughter Eloise, and — motorcycling.
Doug loved to laugh, tease and joke with students, co-workers and friends alike and no doubt he will be remembered for his unique character.
Doug, we will always love you and our memories of you will live on forever in our hearts.
A Memorial Funeral Service will be held Thursday, November 9th, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s Anglican Church with Pastor Michael Bergman officiating. Interment will follow in the Dryden Cemetery.
If friends desire donations may be made to DRHC Foundation through Stevens Funeral Homes P.O. Box 412, Dryden ON P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca

Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Doug Rettie – (January 28- 1946 – November 2- 2017).source

Décès pour la Ville: Dryden, Province: Ontario

avis deces Doug Rettie – (January 28- 1946 – November 2- 2017)- avis mortuaire Doug Rettie – (January 28- 1946 – November 2- 2017)