Obituaries
Douglas Waterston
Death Notice
Waterston, Douglas Longworth, suddenly in London of a heart attack, on June 13, 2012, aged 87.
Loved and loving husband of Dr. Elizabeth Waterston (Hillman), O. Ont., proud father of Dan Waterston (Jennifer), Jane (François Bregha), Christina (Tom Beaver), Charlotte (Rob Turner) and Rosemary (Phil King), grandfather of eleven fine young people and great grandfather of seven youngsters. He will be missed by many loving nieces, nephews, neighbours and friends old and new.
Douglas was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Dorothy (Longworth) Waterston, his sister Joan (Ross Ritchie), and his brothers Thomas (Patricia) and John (Dorothy). His surviving sister, Patricia Lyons, lives in Hamilton.
Born in Montreal, with deep family roots in Prince Edward Island, Doug graduated from McGill (BScAg. 1945), worked briefly during World War II on the CANOL Project, building an oil pipeline from the Norman Wells oil fields to the Arctic. He joined Canada Packers and travelled extensively the back roads of Ontario, connecting with the broader farm community of the post war era. He met Elizabeth as a graduate student at University of Toronto then returned to Montreal as an editor of the Family Herald and Weekly Star. In 1958 the family moved to London Ontario where Doug became Editor in Chief and General Manager of the Farmer’s Advocate, a nationally read weekly farm paper. He had the joy of knowing some of his editorials were read into Hansard by the Minister of Agriculture.
When the University of Guelph was formed in 1964, Doug became its first Director of Information, working to build its reputation as a well-respected and popular University while integrating its strong agricultural roots.
On retirement Doug returned to London and pursued the good life, both there and in Bradenton, Florida, perfecting his golf and tennis games, renewing friendships at the Baconian Club, Sunningdale Golf Club, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the London Club, supporting Elizabeth's life as an author, and keeping up with his kids and the stock market.
He advised and served for many years with the 4H Club, Junior Achievement, TVO and Anglican parishes in Montreal, London and Guelph. Doug’s volunteer activities also included the Canadian Mental Health Association and Kiwanis in Guelph. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Doug are asked to consider the Daily Bread Program at St. Paul’s or the United Way of London.
Doug was a devoted husband and father, a warm person who touched the lives of many and raised smiles.
Visitation Sunday, 6-8 pm at the James A. Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James St. at Richmond. Funeral Monday June 18, 11 AM St Paul's Cathedral, 472 Richmond St. at Queens Ave., London.
Visitation
6-8 pm Sunday
Service
11 am Monday, June 18 at St. Paul's Cathedral, 472 Richmond St at Queens Ave
Click here to view the map with James A. Harris Funeral Home location