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Obituary of Douglas Luke McCarthy
McCarthy, Douglas Luke
October 11, 1943 – January 31, 2025
On January 31st, 2025 at LHSC University Hospital, Douglas Luke McCarthy passed away peacefully with family by his side at the age of 81. Beloved husband of Trudy (nee Vermue) McCarthy. Loving father of Stephanie Quigley (Harry Muir) and the late Karen McCarthy (2017). Proud Pa of Michael and James (Quigley), and Nolan and Shae (Muir). Loving brother of John McCarthy (Suzanne Christopherson) and Patricia Pellerin (Robert).
Doug was a much loved teacher and principal. He began his career in 1963 teaching in a three room schoolhouse in northern Ontario. In 1966, he moved to London and was hired as a principal by the London District Catholic School Board where he remained until he took superannuation in 1997. Doug was a heart-centered educator who led through his service to others. He was well loved and respected by his staff and students and had a positive influence on the lives of many.
Doug was an active member of the Ontario Elementary Catholic Teacher’s Association. From 1966 through 1982, he represented the London-Middle Unit as Councillor, Third Vice-President, Second Vice-President and Principal Representative. In the early 1990’s, Doug accepted an invitation to join the London-Middle’s Unit’s newly established Speakers’ Bureau, and soon after joined OECTA’s provincial Speakers’ Bureau. In 2017, Doug received OECTA’s Life Membership Award. Members who receive this award have devoted their professional lives with generosity and dedication in the service of Catholic Education in Ontario.
Doug also made significant contributions to the wider education community. He was a faculty advisor at Althouse College, and he developed communication courses for Fanshawe College and Western University’s MBA program. Doug was hired by the London District Catholic School Board to mentor new principals, and at St. Peter’s Seminary in London, he developed an accreditation process and taught public speaking classes.
Doug’s accomplishments are almost too many to name. A masterful storyteller, Doug was a highly decorated and sought after public speaker who captivated audiences with his wit and wisdom. He was a long standing and proud member of Toastmasters International and the founder of the London West Club where he remained a member for almost 40 years. He served as Parliamentary Chair of Toastmasters International, and twice competed in the World Public Speaking Championships. Doug was also a qualified mediator with the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and a past member of the American Institute of Parliamentarians,
Doug lived by the motto “Go out and happen to things”. He was a lover of the outdoors and an adventurer by heart. Doug had many passions and was always ready for a new and epic experience. He logged many miles cycling the globe and hiking the Bruce Trail, and he embraced the winter months camping, snowshoeing, and skiing. He enjoyed spending time by the water, at the beach, in his kayak and on his windsurfer. In 2015, Doug became a registered beekeeper and dedicated many hours nurturing his six colonies and rendering honey. Though many of Doug’s interests were individual pursuits, he inspired others to share in what he loved to do and generously gave his time and talents to teach others.
Perhaps Doug’s greatest joy was his family. In 1968, he married the love of his life, his “Dutch Treat, Trudy, and together they raised two beautiful daughters. For Doug, family came first. As a father, he was the first to celebrate your successes and console your heartaches. His patience was infinite and he always had an encouraging word. He will be remembered and cherished for so many wonderful qualities and will be deeply missed by us all.
Visitors will be received at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street at King Street, on Thursday, February 13 from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 o’clock. Funeral Mass will be led by Fr. Jim Mockler at St. John the Divine Parish, 390 Baseline Road W., Friday, February 14 at 11:00 o’clock. Interment will be held at at later date at St. Peter’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Thames Talbot Land Trust and the Bruce Trail Conservancy would be appreciated.
2025
Death notice for the town of: London, Province: Ontario
death notice Douglas Luke McCarthy 2025
obituaries notice Douglas Luke McCarthy 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Douglas Luke McCarthy 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
