Douglas Edward Stanley was born Sunday, August 4, 1935 in Simcoe County, Ontario to Mary Margaret (McDougall) and Edward Stanley Beelby. Mary was born November 16, 1908 in Vespra Township, Ontario. Her life’s vocation was as a Registered Nurse (RN) and she was highly regarded in both her personal and professional life. Doug’s father, Ed, was born August 19, 1905 in Innisfil, Ontario.
On January 27, 1933 a premature baby, Bobby Edward was born to Ed and Mary. However, the child died the same day. The family was living in Stroud, Ontario at that time and Bobby was buried in Thornton, Ontario the next day. Doug’s sister Margaret “Margy” was the eldest, with Doug being the second oldest, followed by Kathy and Eleanor. Doug had a strong sense of family and loved his Mother tremendously. His grandfather lived with them for years and he had a really strong bond with him as well.
As a child, Doug contracted polio and was subsequently placed in a body cast for a long period of time. Doug and his parents were told that he would never walk again. However, with his determination, stubbornness, special orthopedic boots and a cane Doug proved them all wrong!
Doug attended school in South Porcupine and then was fortunate enough to attend school in Toronto. In all likelihood, it was the “Home for Incurable Children.” The school offered academics, crafts and vocational training. Doug left the school fully capable of holding down a full time job and living on his own.
For a few years Doug lived back up north and worked for the City of Timmins testing water. He then moved to Waterloo and worked at Marsland Engineering for a long period of time. There he worked with a local politician advocating for people with disabilities. Doug also worked nights at Woolworths cleaning as well. When his friend Nick starting going to Greece for months at a time, Doug ran his arcade in Galt.
Upon retirement, Doug moved to the Copeland House outside of Chesley. When the Copelands decided to inhabit the home for themselves, Doug moved to Walkerton. It didn’t take long for him to move back to Chesley as he liked the “Nicest Town Around.” During this time Doug befriended Bill Yager and the two spent countless hours together delivering rural mail.
It was in 1987 that Doug met Evelyn as she was working as a nurse’s aide for the Red Cross. A really cute story is told of the first time Doug asked Evelyn out on a date. Unbeknownst to him, she invited her friend Denise along. Despite his surprise, it still must have worked out, as a strong friendship developed – each providing something the other needed. A couple of years later, Doug moved into the adjoining apartment after the death of Evelyn’s sister Marie in 1988. Doug and Evelyn became a team together enjoying life, travelling together, spending time with each other‘s families and participating in the community. Evelyn was heavily involved with the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Branch 144 and Doug was a member of the Lions Club. Doug credited Evelyn with his willingness and ability, to quit drinking and smoking! Sadly, just over a year ago, Evelyn passed away at Parkview Manor in her 84th year.
Doug had a number of interests. Believe it or not, he loved to scrapbook! He also really enjoyed studying history, especially of the north with its mines and railroads. When the Chesley Library was rebuilt, he assumed a number of the original bricks from the library. The book, “Lamps Forever Lit” was a favourite of Doug’s as it outlined the history of mining in the Kirkland area of Northern Ontario. He also collected trucks and cars. It isn’t certain as to who collected the stuffed animals, but Evelyn and Doug had more than just a few in their possession.
Friday nights were for watching The EastEnders. Yet it was listening to the radio that Doug spent most of his time doing. It was no surprise to walk into his room at Parkview and observe his head bobbing to the old time gospel music on AM 920 CKNX. Doug loved to go for car drives, eat Chinese food, drink Pepsi (but definitely not Diet Pepsi) and munch on Ketchup and Sour Cream & Onion chips, as well as chocolate bars. Of course, to know Doug was to know his love of French Fries!
Prior to entering Parkview Manor with Evelyn, Doug loved participating at the Day Away programs in Chesley and Hanover. This allowed him to soak in the bath tub and to socialize! (Not at the same time, though!) While in Parkview, Doug continued to care for Evelyn and she him, supervised the planting and care of the plants around the Manor and helped the staff with, both, personal and business wood working, sanding and tinkering projects. He loved the car shows at Parkview.
Doug was big on hair, not only his own but that of others. He never missed a thing! Of course, there was also his love of bow-ties, baseball caps, family pictures, pipes and his own personal plants. (He always had excellent advice on how to care for indoor plants!) Doug liked to look spiffy and took great care to do so! He had an excellent memory and was a great story teller.
Evelyn and Doug had a deep and abiding faith, although, Doug did do a little bit of church hopping. Doug had no question that upon death he would be reunited with family and friends and was especially open to the idea of being with Evelyn once again!
Doug was stubborn. There was no if, ands, or butts about it! Yet, it was his stubbornness that allowed Doug to achieve all that he did. He was authentic and matter of fact. What one saw is what one got! There was no back stabbing. He simply told it to you straight! Doug was conservative in nature and could be very affectionate and loyal. He loved the children and even adolescents in his life and always wanted to hear what they were up to. Indeed, Doug was one of a kind – a real card. He will be greatly missed by many, especially because he was such a great conversationalist! Despite his seemingly crusty exterior, Doug liked to show his appreciation and in one instance treated Marg Waechter to a gift of a lovely angel upon her retirement from the Day Away Program.
Douglas Edward Stanley Beelby of Chesley, passed away at Parkview Manor, Chesley on Thursday, September 14, 2017 in his 83rd year.
Loving brother of Margaret Nelson of South Porcupine, Kathy (Larry) Jean of Lucan and Eleanor (David) Hutchinson of Saskatchewan. Doug will be lovingly remembered by his step-son Blaine (Carol) Marshall as well as many nieces, nephews and their families. He will be sadly missed by his extended family and friends. Doug was predeceased by his beloved companion Evelyn Hutton, step-children Brent Marshall, Diane Brezina and his parents Edward and Mary (McDougall) Beelby.
A memorial service celebrating Doug’s life will be held at Parkview Manor (98 3rd St. S.E., Chesley) on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 11 a.m. Inurnment in Chesley Cemetery.
Memorial donations to Grey Bruce Animal Shelter would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
