Douglas Ross Gage
As you read my obituary, please know that I am now in a very good place, at peace and free of pain after a hard-fought battle with cancer. I have always called this “my journey”, a journey in which I was never alone as I was joined and bolstered by a whole litany of people I loved; those who held my hand throughout, always letting me know there was hope, that I was loved and cherished. I have been blessed to have lived such a wonderful life and I am grateful for the time I was given. As I have been known to say… “It is what it is!”
I was born on May 27, 1947, to Vera and Russel Gage in Brantford, Ontario. My parents gave me a wonderful start in life, and I believe that I inherited my sense of humour from them, as they both loved to have a good laugh. My big brother Norman was an inspiration to me, although several years older and I missed growing up, side by side with him as he had enlisted in the military during my younger years and made a life for himself and his family in Manitoba. I loved him dearly and we were able to stay connected through our lives; I feel blessed by the relationships I still have with my departed brother’s children and grandchildren, fondly known as my “Out West” family.
My world was forever changed in 1981 when I met the woman who would become the love of my life, my best friend and dearest wife of 40 years, Ann (nee Cooper-McKean) who for a reason I still cannot fathom, eventually fell for me too. I was smitten from our first meeting, this beautiful, classy woman I felt was out of my league. We married in 1983, creating a blended family of her children and my own – and the “McGage” clan was born. My family have made me so proud in what they do and have been a foundation of happiness during some of the most challenging of times. While I now carry on with this part of my journey alone, I am at peace knowing that my wife Ann and our children Elizabeth (Doug), Sherri (Wayne), Trevor (Lisa) and Christopher and grandchildren Alex, Jake (Madie), Ronnie, Megan and James will have a strong family to lean on and I ask them to support each other and remember that family really is everything.
Anchoring me were the family and friends I was surrounded with throughout my life – you know who you are – who have all made me stronger, all the while giving me confidence and a reason to keep smiling, a reminder to remain grateful for life’s blessings. I just hope you all know how much you have meant to me.
From Doug’s family: we thank all who loved him for the outpouring of support over the duration of his “journey”. A funeral mass is scheduled for Saturday February 10th, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 63 Elgin S., Collingwood, to be followed at 2:00 p.m. with a family-hosted Celebration of Life at Collingwood Leisure Time Club, 100 Minnesota Street, Collingwood. Donations in Doug’s honour may be made to Collingwood G&M Hospital Foundation or Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation in lieu of flowers. Friends may visit Doug’s online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com