MACPHERSON, Douglas Laing
1942 – 2023
Doug MacPherson died in Hamilton, Ontario on February 4, 2023, after a brief illness. Doug was born at Goderich, Ontario, the son of Harvey Alexander MacPherson and Elizabeth Laing MacPherson. He will be missed by his siblings and their spouses – Barbara (Robert Butler) and Bruce (Catherine Schuler), and his nephews, Jason and Brett Butler and Matthew and John MacPherson. Doug was predeceased by his first wife, Penelope Jane Glasser and by his wife, Kathleen Vest MacPherson. Doug grew up in Goderich and Kitchener, Ontario and graduated in physics and chemistry from the University of Waterloo. He worked for IBM Canada for many years, later with SHL Systemhouse, and then in a consulting partnership with Greg Styles. After his retirement, Doug and Kathy moved from Toronto to a United Empire Loyalist home in Prince Edward County which they transformed into an elegant and welcoming base to entertain friends. They quickly became deeply involved in County life. Doug was devastated by Kathy’s too early death in 2016; he subsequently moved into Picton to a condo for which he and Kathy had planned the renovation. There he was closer to supportive friends, cafes and restaurants and walked daily with his faithful companion, Coady. In 2021, he moved to Dundas, Ontario to be closer to Bruce and Catherine and for more support. Intense discussion of politics was his delight. He was proud of his part in the successful Stop Spadina campaign of the 1960s, and remained active throughout his life, later as a member of the Prince Edward County “Shadow Cabinet” and playing significant roles in the establishment of the Prince Edward County Community Foundation and the restoration of the Regent Theatre in Picton. He was also a lover of jazz and an early leader and supporter of the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival. Doug was a supporter of Canadian artists, especially Joyce Wieland, who was a friend of his first wife, Penny Glasser, and several indigenous artists, known from time spent at their camp on Manitoulin Island. Doug saw his private pilot’s license, earned at age 16 as one of his great accomplishments. For years, he flew for pleasure from Buttonville Airport, though friends and family were amazed since he had absolutely no sense of direction. His family is grateful to the many friends who knew Doug and supported him in his later years. Their visits and phone calls were treasured by him to the end. We are also grateful to the staff of Amica Dundas for their kindness and care. A celebration of life will be held in the spring. To be notified, please email: [email protected]. Donations to Parkinson Canada (www.parkinson.ca) in memory of Doug are welcome.