Douglas Leonard Woodside passed away peacefully on April 4, 2023 at Wyndham Manor LTC home in Oakville. He was 79 years old. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Christina, his daughter Lisa (Jonathan), son Terry (Suzanne) and faithful dog Lilah. He was a proud grandad to Katie and Sam.

The eldest son of Merine and Sydney Woodside and older brother to Larry, Doug was born in Scarborough Ontario on May 15, 1943. He grew up in the wilds of Scarborough and spent summers on Lake Simcoe.  As a young man, it was in advertising where Doug found his true professional calling.  When Doug got behind something, he supported it wholeheartedly, whether that was Pledge, Saab, or McDonald's. Whatever he was selling, he absolutely believed it to be the best.

Doug met and fell in love with Christina, then a St. Michael's nursing student in Toronto in 1963, and they have been together ever since, spending most of their married life in Oakville.  A generous father, he devoted much time to taking the kids to practices, and events: gymnastics, swimming, soccer, football, even trying his hand at coaching a few of these sports.

In 1979 Doug and Chris began taking their young family up to Alpine Ski Club in Collingwood Ontario and from then, his life changed forever.  Many winters were spent by the shores of Georgian Bay, skiing and passing time with friends.  The Woodsides had a room above the Craigleith Clinic, where families and friends gathered every Saturday night after a day of skiing for an evening meal and a Sing-along.  These gatherings evolved into the "Craigleith Athletic Club and Jug Band", spearheaded by Doug who typed out the lyrics to many of the favorite songs so that everyone could participate.  There was a myriad of instruments, and all were encouraged.  The kids and adults alike contributed to the joyful cacophony that was our winter Saturday nights for many years, capped off by Doug leading us all on his guitar.

Doug's skiing, like many of his learned skills, was DIY. Whether hitting the slopes on mountains across the world, renovating a home, or playing instruments, he was self taught. He will be remembered for the many hours he spent puttering - doing carpentry and renovation projects, additions, decks, that always, eventually, turned out beautifully. Doug's hobbies also included the daily crossword, Sudoku, and golfing.  Much like his skiing technique, his golf swing was also unique.  No matter his score, or those of his playing partners, (including his daughter Lisa, who was just learning the game) he was positive and encouraging.  "There's always the next hole" he would say, which was his attitude towards life.

But Doug's love for music and guitar was the thread that ran through his life. Doug was a talented musician and spent many hours practicing and playing the guitar.  Throughout his life, many weekend nights and holiday celebrations were enlivened by his strumming and singing with friends and family. When you put his guitar in his hands, he came alive.  Even as dementia took hold, he was always able to serenade the clients and staff at Patty's Place and then Wyndham Manor. Until his last day, he would sing along with John Denver, or belt out Bobby McGee, when it was played for him.

Doug was a humble man with an easy nature.  A man of few words, he always had a wry smile and was ready with an amusing quip or comment. He focused on the positive side of things, avoiding conflict and had an easygoing nature. About 5 years ago he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and this stole him bit by bit until there was very little of Doug left, although he maintained his pleasant manners and the words to his favourite songs until the end. Christina valiantly advocated for him, steadfastly by his side, until he could fight no more.

Dear Doug, may you find peace.  Your memories, and memories of you, will live within those who love and remember you.

In lieu of flowers Doug would have wanted you to put some music on and sing along with it. Play an instrument if you can and think of time spent singing with others. Donations in his name, Douglas Leonard Woodside, can be made to the Alzheimer's Society.

As was his wish, his funeral service and burial will be private for his immediate family, but a CELEBRATION OF HIS LIFE will be held on a future date this spring or summer when we'll have a drink and play some of Doug's favorite songs. Please plan to come and honour Doug at that time.