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6
September

Douglas Keeling

Rhody Family Funeral Home

As Doug would say…

“Back in the day”…  a little boy by the name of Robert “Douglas” was born on Thursday, December 29, 1949 in Owen Sound to parents Robert Glenn and Muriel Evelyn (Ramage) Keeling. The Keeling family called a dairy farm on the 6th Concession of the former Sullivan Township home, where Doug welcomed younger brothers Jack (1951) and Barry (1954). While growing up the boys were very much hands-on and helped their parents with a variety of jobs and tasks around the farm. Doug’s father heard that playing music in the barn was good for the dairy herds health. So, they had a radio tuned to CKLW of Windsor with the on-air personality “Tom Rivers”. It was a rock ‘n’ roll station, and the boys would crank the volume up while doing chores. The boys had a tricycle and a pedal tractor that they would pedal around the downstairs of the house, making a loop from the kitchen to the living room and around and around. One time Doug turned at the wrong doorway and took his tricycle for a ride all the way down the basement stairs – he managed to hold on and stay upright all the way down! Doug and his brothers attended S.S. #6 Sullivan and then enrolled at O.S.C.V.I. in Owen Sound for high school.

It was on the bus ride to school that Doug was introduced to a young woman by the name of Joyce Carolyn Kuhl. They hit it off immediately, however, they attended different schools, so their relationship bloomed slowly. In Grade 11, unfortunately, Doug failed Physics, and during this time period, if you failed a class you had to re-do the entire year…ugh! The following year Doug attempted Physics again and failed his first test… the writing was on the wall! Doug quit school and applied for a job at RBW Graphics in Owen Sound. He started on September 19, 1968. Following several years of dating, Joyce and Doug were married at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Chesley on the evening of Friday, November 22, 1974. The young couple settled on the outskirts of Desboro and soon began their family, welcoming Carolyn Laurie in 1978 and Robert “Bob” Douglas in 1981.

By this time Doug had been promoted to Lead Pressman at work. He had a strong work ethic and was a valued employee. Throughout the years the name on the outside of the building may have changed however, Doug showed up daily and did the job he was tasked to do. He retired, after 42 years of service, in 2010 at the age of 61. Doug, however, was not all work and no play! Prior to the kid’s arrival, Joyce and Doug did some snowmobiling whereby they experienced the trip from hell in 1975. Honestly, they thought they might die but someone had different plans for them, and luckily life carried on.

In his spare time, Doug loved to work on his cars and tractors. It started back in his teenage years when Doug enjoyed lending his hand at the stock car races at Sauble Speedway. His 1974 red and white Plymouth Roadrunner, which he bought new, was “His Honey” (in addition to Joyce of course! 🙂 He loved to maintain, detail, and service this car and always looked forward to the Sunday drives that were always an adventure. After 47 years, the car is in mint condition and only has 122,000 miles on it. Amazing! Bob also recalled the Plymouth Satellite which could be driven on two wheels… yep you read that right! If you came out the driveway onto the road and then made a quick turn back in the second driveway towards the house, the car could be tipped on two wheels with the right touch. Yes, it wasn’t really safe, but the car never flipped, and you could often drive the entire length of the 200 ft. driveway. When not working on a car, Doug was usually arms deep in a tractor. He bought, repaired, and enjoyed several classics throughout the years. Minneapolis-Moline and Olivers were his brands of choice, with a 1949 Minneapolis-Moline “R” being the oldest in his collection. However, his pride and joy was the 1952 Oliver 77 that his father bought brand new. Doug also loved tractor pulls and frequented the local Fall Fairs and other events to take them in. The pulls in Desboro, Owen Sound, Flesherton, Feversham, Paisley, and Teeswater were staples in his calendar. At these events, he met people from all over the country and made many friendships that spanned his lifetime. Honestly, many of them became an extension of his family.

Doug was also known to give of his time, when available. When the kids were young Doug helped coach their ball teams in Desboro. When travelling to the camp that his brothers-in-law owned up north, they would load up in the 1981 Blue Dodge Cab and a half pick up truck, he would have his favourite tape of Dire Straits playing. Joyce would be riding beside him, and Bob and Carolyn asleep on a mattress they had tucked in behind the front seats for the five hour drive. Over many years, he enjoyed helping at the Desboro Fair wherever he was needed.  When relaxing in the house, he loved watching anything NASCAR and was always tuned into 92.3 – The Bounce. If sharing a drink with Doug, Whiskey and water were his drink of choice. Pastries were also a weakness, and lately, they came from the Doctor recommended bakery in Chesley…. true story, ask the kids! If he was to keep anything on him, it was usually in his “secret agent spy scope pocket” a.k.a shirt breast pocket. It could have been the house portable phone, his cell phone, but most often his teeth. If Doug needed it close by, it was usually in his pocket!

Sadly, after many wonderful years together, Joyce was diagnosed with cancer in 2015. Doug was her rock, and there to support her through her up and down battle. He tended to her every need. They made the best of every day, and Doug remained at her side daily until her death on September 23, 2016. In the last few years, he kept himself busy. Like most of us, Doug was stubborn and extremely independent. When diagnosed with his own cancer in May of this year, Doug was adamant that he remained independent and stay in his own home. In fact, in recent weeks, he insisted (or kicked out) the kids to leave him alone at night. He truly did not want to be a bother to anyone. With the help of his family and friends, Doug remained at home until the Friday prior to his death. His goal was to attend the Desboro Fall Fair, but sadly it was not meant to be. However, due to the kindness of his neighbours who videotaped some of the fair tractor pull, he was able to attend/watch it virtually. Doug passed away peacefully at Chapman House, Owen Sound, with his family by his side, on Monday, September 6, 2021. He was 71.

Loving father of Carolyn Keeling of Chesley and Bob (Colleen) Keeling of Desboro. Douglas will be dearly missed by his brothers Jack (Michele Phillips) of Kemble and Barry (Nancy) Keeling of Owen Sound, as well as the entire Kuhl family. He was predeceased by his wife Joyce (Kuhl) in 2016 and his parents, Robert and Muriel (Ramage) Keeling.

A public graveside service honouring Doug’s life will be held at the Chesley Cemetery Columbarium on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 beginning a 2 p.m. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Chesley Hospital Foundation, Residential Hospice of Grey Bruce or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

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39 Condolences
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Kelly Showell
October 27, 2021

I miss seeing Doug’s little nod as he would drive by the house in his red pickup truck! 😔
Sending belated condolences and prayers to Carolyn (Sean) and Robert (Colleen)❤️

May God give you strength and hope and comfort in these days!

With love,
Kelly Showell and family!❤️🙏🏼

Jerri Long
September 25, 2021

So very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed working with Doug. He’ll be greatly missed.

Merna Norris & Ed Hall
September 19, 2021

Carolyn and Family – Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. We hope many happy memories will be a comfort to you.

Melv and Carol Deering
September 18, 2021

Dear tractor pulling and restorer buddy,
Sincere sympathy to you Bob and Carolyn, your Dad will be missed so much. Melv spent hours discussing tractors with Doug, although they had different kinds of green tractors, Doug’s were Oliver’s and Melvs were John Deeres. May happy memories give you comfort.

Ruth Gabert and family
September 16, 2021

our family hope you will remember the good times and the neat experiences of life HE LOVED YOUS VERY MUCH and was extremely proud of his family

Wendy and Glen McKee
September 14, 2021

We send our deepest sympathy. May the loving memories of Doug and Joyce forever remain in your hearts and comfort you and give you peace and courage to face the days ahead.

Jeff Mair
September 13, 2021

Very sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I knew him as a super nice guy when I was growing up with Bob. Condolences to Carolyn, Bob & Colleen.

Murray,Shannon, Dawson,Colleen and Garrett McNabb
September 13, 2021

Doug was a great nieghbour and will be missed by many. Thinking of you all .

dave and fran lang
September 12, 2021

I have known doug all my life he was a great person and friend he will be missed my thoughts are with the keeling family

Larry & Betty McLeod
September 11, 2021

Our sincere sympathy. Always enjoyed chatting with him at tractor pulls. Rest in Peace “Doug.

Elaine Maluske
September 11, 2021

Deepest sympathy to the family.

Jack and Ellen Cavill
September 10, 2021

Carolyn, Bob and Colleen, we extend our sincere sympathy to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hold close to your memories.

Larry & Betty McLeod
September 10, 2021

Sorry to learn of the passing of your Dad, many of good chats at the tractor pulling, he was so interesting to talk with. Our sincere sympathy, Rest in Peace “Doug.

bob and dianne jackson
September 10, 2021

an other good one gone. all the good memories we made “back in the day ” will never be forgotten. a good friend , sad to see you go buddy.

Murray and Kathy Knapp
September 9, 2021

Carolyn, Bob & Colleen we send our sincere condolences . Doug was a good man who will be missed by many

Bruce and Yvonne Skinner
September 9, 2021

Carolyn and David, Bob and Colleen and the rest of the Keeling and Kuhl families
Our condolences on Dougs
Passing. We are thinking of you during this difficult time

Wayne & Donna Barfoot
September 9, 2021

Barry, Nancy & families
We are deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered. Our hearts go out to you during this time and our prayers are with you all.

Bryan Fraser
September 9, 2021

Bob, Colleen and carolyn

My deepest condolences and sympathies for your loss.

Elaine Maluske
September 9, 2021

My deepest sympathy to the family.

Ann Legge
September 9, 2021

Murray and I want to send our sincere condolences to you at this difficult time. Cherish your memories!

Dave Walsh, jenn border
September 9, 2021

Thoughts and prayers to the family ,with the loss of Doug, worked on B shift with Doug at RBW

Dave, Lori, Makaleyn and Jalaynah Moore
September 8, 2021

Carolyn, Bobby and Colleen, So sorry to hear of your Dads passing. He cared for our cattle all these years like they were his own. We were always greeted with a friendly hello and chat when at the farm or on the phone. He will be missed by so many.

Desboro Agricultural Society
September 8, 2021

Sending our deepest sympathy to Carolyn, Bob, Colleen and all of Doug’s family on their loss of Doug. He will be greatly missed by the community and especially at our annual fall fair parade where he always had one or more of his tractors in the parade. Doug, you were missed on Saturday at our tractor pull and we know you would have been there if you were able to be. Our thoughts and prayers to all of you and treasure all those great memories.

Brent & Cheryl Leifso
September 8, 2021

Carolyn, Bob and Colleen; we are so very sorry for your loss and thinking of you during this difficult time.

Karen Anderson
September 8, 2021

My condolences Carolyn and Bobby and rest of the family. Your dad will be with your mom now. They both were very nice people.

Neal and Rose Rourke
September 8, 2021

Carolyn and Bobby. So sorry to hear of your Dads passing.

Linda Thompsett
September 8, 2021

It was always a pleasure seeing Doug’s smile when he drove his tractor down down from the farm to take part in the Desboro Fair Parade. Your dad will be missed 💕

Mac & Marilyn Taylor and Family
September 8, 2021

Our sincere sympathy to your entire family. Rest In Peace Doug.

Wayne and Margaret
September 8, 2021

Carolyn and Bobby
Thing of you at this time. Cherish your memories

Bob and Dianne Jackson
September 8, 2021

Carolyn, Bob and Colleen, Cherish all the great Memories
You are in our thoughts

Murray and Shannon McNabb
September 8, 2021

Carolyn,Bob and Colleen. Our heartfelt sympathies to you all. Doug was a great neighbour , we will miss his friendly smile and wave. Murray,Shannon,Dawson,Colleen and Garrett McNabb.

Glen and Lynda Morrison
September 8, 2021

Sorry to here about dads passing. Doug was my first Pressman at RBW for many years and also a good friend ,he will be sadly missed.

Jim & June Gowan
September 8, 2021

Carolyn & family,
Sending you our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Lynda, Sherri & Mandy
September 8, 2021

Carolyn, Bob & Colleen and family…so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing..thinking of you at this difficult time.

Ken and Joyce Walker
September 7, 2021

Sorry to hear of the passing of Doug, our condolences to the Keeling family

Eleanor Farrow
September 7, 2021

Sorry to hear of the passing of Doug. Cherish the memories

Jeff Mitchell
September 7, 2021

Doug was my first Head Pressman at RBW. Sad news to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family.

Bruce and Yvonne McEwen
September 7, 2021

To Bob and Colleen and Carolyn and the rest of the Keeling families
We have been neighbors for many years and will dearly miss you.

Ray and Sue Wardrop
September 7, 2021

Bob and Colleen thinking of you at this sad time.


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