Douglas Rene St. Laurent
On Sunday May 30, with his family close by, Doug finished the final part of his journey. He leaves Maria, his wife, travel companion and sharer of adventures. He will be missed by his children Michael (Rhonda), Rebecca (Scot) and Kathleen (Scott). He was proud of and loved greatly his grandchildren, Sophia, Luke, Ethan, and Russell. He was Top brother to Middle Ray (Barb, Graham, Shelley, and Rachel) and Bottom Marc (Pamela, Cameron, and Jordan). He will be missed by his in laws Arnold (Julianne, Denise, Ted, Caitlyn, Grace, Chris, Kerri Anne), Joann (Joe, Teresa, Sylvia, Geoff, Madison, Taylor) Betty (Bill, Derek, Lesley, Jennifer, Mattea, Everleigh) and Marty (Darlene). He was predeceased by his parents Rene and Anna St. Laurent, his in laws Arnold and Huberta Rovers and brother-in-law John Rovers.
His children will remember him most for the lessons he taught them about compassion and patience, his love and care for their mother, and his ability to never miss the chance to make a good (or bad) joke.
Doug was a teacher in Essex and Brant County and at St. Mary’s High School in Woodstock. After he retired, he chose to travel to Sachigo Lake First Nation and Wunnumin Lake First Nation as principal where he was fortunate to share experiences and friendships with many, all who had a great impact on his life.
Doug was a pilot, a traveler of back roads, a project man, a lover of the outdoors, a photographer, a computer nerd, a quiet thinker, a curious man and the teller of outlandish jokes and stories. He enjoyed his time spent with his family, good friends and good conversation.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Brioux, Dr. Sharma, Dr. Fryer, Scott Gould, Danielle, Alicia and Kathy Chrysler and her team of Natasha, Jennifer and Emma for their kindness and compassion.
There will be no funeral, as Doug requested. A celebration of life will be held later. Donations, if desired, can be made directly or by cheque through Wareing Cremation Services 225 Norwich Ave. Woodstock, Ontario N4S 3V8 to the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario, Sakura House, or a charity of your choice.
Take some time each day to be kind.
“Oh I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the sky on laughter-silvered wings – and done a hundred things, You have not dreamed of “
Dear Maria and family
I was so sad to hear the news about Doug. My deepest sympathies to all of you. He certainly had a full and wonderful life with many chapters!
May he wheel and soar and swing high in the sunlit silence.
Karen Greenham
When I was a kid and we went on road trips, my dad would always take the fastest way, which was fun. But he’d say the Woodstock St. Laurents would be slower because Uncle Doug always takes the scenic route. Ever since then, whenever I’ve taken a scenic route, I’ve thought of Uncle Doug. And I will continue to do that, maybe even more now, because it turns out scenic routes are also fun and nice, just like Uncle Doug was.
I only met Doug once or twice, but saw his light reflected in his daughter, Rebecca. My deepest sympathies to all of you. May you feel lifted up with support as you journey through your grief.
My deepest condolences to the entire family. Mr. St. Laurent was a great teacher and was always so kind and thoughtful.
Dear Maria and family,
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. We hope that you will receive all the support you need as you travel forward in your lives. We have sent a donation in Doug’s memory to The Parkinson Society and have also sent a donation from the Board of Directors at Theatre Woodstock and STAGES. Know that we are thinking of you all.
Maria: My heartfelt condolences are extended to both you and your family in this time of great personal loss complicated further by a world in crisis. May your memories of love offer you solace in your journey forward.
Dear Maria and family,
My deepest condolences on your loss. Doug was a very good man. I just wanted to tap out a few thoughts to let you know how I appreciated Doug when I worked with him at St. Mary’s. I owe Doug a debt of gratitude. When I first arrived at SMHS in 1993, I was coming in after teaching Gr. 6 for four years. Needless to say, I felt like a first-year teacher again (and not in a good way) because all of my previous teaching materials were absolutely irrelevant. I was assigned several computer courses, and I had no idea as to the direction I had to take. It was Doug who took me under his wing to guide me through the darkness. He was unselfish in his cause. He welcomed me to use any of his resources, and for those topics where I did not have the technical background, Doug patiently took the time to teach me all about them. Doug gave me the foundation that I needed so that I could teach computers with complete confidence. By instilling this, I became a stronger teacher – not only in computers, but in my other subjects as well. Outside of class time, Doug involved me in the development of the technology department and valued my opinions, even if we didn’t always agree. He was a man of bold vision who was ahead of his time. He recognized multimedia and the importance of digital technology throughout the curriculum, areas where most teachers feared to tread. His dedication led to countless hours troubleshooting and expanding the school’s network. Although he had his detractors, he persevered in his cause to deliver a state-of-the-art technology centre that would make St. Mary’s proud. Doug realized that achieving excellence was not a smooth, easy path. Doug took bold risks because he knew that the risks were worth it for the benefit of the kids. That’s who Doug was — a man who gave it his all to serve others. He helped me. He helped the staff. He helped the kids. He helped anyone who needed it. He made life better for all of us simply by being himself. I am honoured to have known and worked with him. At this time of loss, it is reassuring to know that Doug made the world a better place for so many.
Peace to all of you.
Bill Buchanan
Maria and family. What a shock to hear the news of Doug’’s passing. I remember all the times we went out for lunch once a week while working at the old St. Mary’s High School. We often walked from there to downtown. I’m sure that he going to be missed by many. He was always so helpful with me as we worked on the graduation booklets even doing it from his own home at night. Also remember a few of the staff parties at your house. Very nice memories. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you. Becky I especially remember those ginger snap cookies that you made and dropped off at our back door.
Our deepest condolences to Maria and her children,Michael, Becky, Kathleen and their family.
So very sorry to hear of Doug’s passing.
What an amazing variety of interests and talents Doug had . Carol and I offer our heartfelt condolences to you and your family . We have made a donation to Sleeping Children Around The World in honour of Doug . Be safe and be well . Peter E
Maria and family
We were sorry to read of Doug’s passing this morning. We know how much he enjoyed coming out to our Camera Club meetings and we will miss seeing him.
Know that we are thinking of you and your family as you grieve your loss.
May the knowledge you have of a life well lived help guide you in the days to come.
Maria and family
We were saddened to read of Doug’s passing this morning.
On behalf of the Woodstock Camera Club please accept our heartfelt condolences to you and your family at this difficult time.
Maria and family – I was very sorry to read of Doug’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Many great memories of when we lived next door to each other.
Maria, Kinderen, kleinkinderen, familie allen gecondoleerd met het verlies van je man. Opa en schoonvader.
Laat de vele herinneringen jullie troosten. Veel steun, sterkte en warmte gewenst in deze moeilijke tijd. Veel liefs, Jo van tante cis.
Maria, kinderen, kleinkinderen
I feel so lucky to have met this great man. He was well-loved and will be missed by many. I will remember his stoic presence and sense of humour.
Maria and family. So sorry to hear of your loss. I know your memories of Doug will live with you forever.
We are so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. He will be remembered for his sense of humour (as well as his puns!) He, and his family, are in our prayers. With kindness- Leslie and Chris
My condolences to Doug’s family during this difficult time. I am sending prayers for everyone. ❤️
Mes plus sincères condoléances à toi, Kathleen, et à toute la famille. Mes pensées vont vers vous.
I will miss my dear uncle, especially his gentleness and his silliness. Thinking of you all sending my love.
We were very sorry to read of Doug’s passing and extend our condolences to Maria and your Family. From his obituary we can tell that he had experienced a full , exciting life with many adventures. Our only meeting with Doug was years ago when he and Maria purchased our first home in Woodstock. Most recently we had the pleasure of meeting Maria walking in our neighbourhood. We just want to acknowledge the loss of your dear Husband and Father. Joan and Ted Young