Obituary for
Douglas Jago
With profound sadness we announce the passing of William Douglas Jago on August 18, 2020, a few weeks past his 89th birthday. Devoted husband of 50 years to L. Isobel Jago (nee Hannahson predeceased in 2006) and a proud and loving father to 5 children: Debra (succumbed to a 5-year battle with cancer on May 22/20), Rebecca, Randall (Angie), Marcia Cooley (Wayne), and Brad (Deborah). Adoring Papa to Cathryn Paige, Lauren, Jessica, Abigail, Rachel and Benjamin and Big Papa to Hunter and Autumn. Doug was the middle sibling to Margaret Dymond (Jack both deceased) and surviving sister Sharon Lyons (Bill – deceased) and brother-in-law to Robert Hannahson (Fran both deceased) and Al Hannahson (Judy). Uncle Doug to many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. Born in Brantford to Leonard and Ruby Jago (nee Fisher), on August 2, 1931, Doug graduated from Brantford Collegiate Institute (BCI) in 1950. Directly out of school he joined his father’s business Turnbull & Cutcliffe, a hardware business at the corner of King and Colborne. Upon Leonard’s retirement and sale of the business, Doug became Manager of the acquiring company Bennett & Wright for 11 years. Given the opportunity to acquire that company and run his own business, in 1970 he established W. D. Jago Limited, a multi-trade contracting business. Looking to better balance home and work life, he held the role of General Manager with Brantford Mechanical Ltd., successor to his own company. Throughout these years Doug was very active in various trade associations: President / Director / Chairman roles in the Mechanical Contractors Association of Ontario, Ontario Sheet Metal & Air Handling Group, Council of Ontario Contractors Association, Brantford Construction Association. His community contributions included many years on the board of the Brantford YM/YWCA (incl. President) and Director of the Brantford Golf & Country Club, and most recently a member of Probus. His years of negotiating labour contracts led to an opportunity / second career at the creation of the Workers Compensation Appeals Tribunal in 1985. Appointed initially as a Member representative of employers he rose to the senior position of Tribunal Director and General Manager until his ‘retirement’ in 1999. Still too young to retire at 68 and desiring to work he continued on as an Employer representative for many more years. Despite his many achievements, foremost was his generous role as a husband, father and grandfather. Through encouragement and educational opportunities, Doug’s mantra for his kids was to always strive to do their best no matter what path was chosen in life, just be careful, responsible and happy. Doug and Isobel traveled extensively throughout Europe from the 1970s until her passing in 2006. England was the initial favourite destination but later journeyed south to Portugal due to a more favourable climate, economy and meeting new friends. Numerous ocean liner voyages with Cunard were a favourite and even got Doug into a tux! Starting in 1983 Doug and Isobel built a cottage at Ipperwash Beach on beach front land handed down over the years through her family. It became Isobel’s “Happy Place” and a refuge away from it all for Doug. Today it remains well used by the family and to each of us our “Happy Place” as well. Doug lived his entire life in Brantford and maintained many long-lasting friendships, including the volleyball group (and the infamous football parties) and Art Thompson. The family wishes to thank Marilyn Toth for the love, support and devotion to her “dear Doug” for many years. Doug imparted his love of Frank Sinatra’s music to the family, either blaring from the stereo speakers or constantly playing in the background everywhere. Being a #1 fan of the New York Yankees, he relished in a rivalry with Toronto Blue Jays supporters which made for boisterous times in front of the television. A visitation will take place at TOLL FUNERAL HOME, 55 Charing Cross St. Brantford, on Tuesday August 25th, 2020 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Please be advised, face masks are required. Given COVID restrictions, on August 26th a private service will be held followed by interment at Farringdon Burial Grounds. In lieu of flowers donations to the Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) Foundation or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Douglas
Jago 1931 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Brantford, Province: Ontario
Becky, My sincerest condolences to you and your family on the death of your Dad. I thought of you this evening and searched your name and found your Dad’s obituary, so very sorry for your loss.