Douglas Keith Clarkson

DOUGLAS KEITH CLARKSON

DOUGLAS KEITH CLARKSON

July 20, 1926 – February 25, 2019

Doug died peacefully in hospital from age-related causes at 92 years of age. Born in Detroit, MI, the only child of Herbert Edward and Eliza Ann Clarkson (Innes), the family returned to Canada when he was three. Raised in Windsor, Toronto and London, he made lifelong friendships in each locale. Doug joined the Armed forces at 18, however the war ended before he was sent overseas. While attending the University of Western Ontario he met fellow student Florence Nightingale Campbell (Nancy), in 1947. She instantly became the love of his life. After graduating, Doug and Nancy married in her hometown of London on 5-5-50, a date Doug joked, Nancy chose so he’d never forget their anniversary. In the early days of marriage Doug worked for Ford and GM in the southwestern Ontario region while Nancy raised their young family. In 1961 he joined Traders Group Finance in Toronto. The family, now six members, transferred to Vancouver in 1962 returning to Toronto in 1966 when Doug was promoted to Senior Vice President. Doug was appointed General Manager of Canadian Commercial Banking at ScotiaBank in 1980 where he spent the remainder of his career. Retiring in 1990, Doug and Nancy spent many happy times at their cottage in Haliburton and traveling throughout North America, the Caribbean and Europe. Lovingly called ‘Dougie Darling’, he is remembered by all as a true gentleman, and a loving, devoted family man who was funny, smart, charming, kind, generous and handsome. In the words of his eldest granddaughter Kylie in her Once Upon a Time story, “He was so much more than a grandfather. He was a husband, a father, a friend, an uncle, a trickster, a joker and many things besides. Everyone who met him knew instantly how special he was.” Even in their 90’s people would remark what a beautiful, loving couple Nancy and Doug made. Doug was predeceased by his eldest daughter Linda Clarkson Stevens. Left to cherish his memory, his wife of 68 years Nancy, daughter Janie (Bill) Gilmour, son Robert (Angela DiCintio) Clarkson, daughter Valerie (William) Robinson, son-in-law Geoff Stevens, grandchildren Casey and Jamie Stevens, Kylie and Connor Gilmour, Travis and Savannah Jane Clarkson, Step grandchildren Sean (Sarah) Stevens, Alexandra (Mike Garrels) Stevens, Lisa (Chuck) Alessandro, and step greatgrandchildren Jack, Andrew and Will Stevens, Jessica Garrels and Charlie Alessandro. He also leaves behind brother-in-law Alan Campbell, cousin John Clarkson, many wonderful nieces and nephews with whom he had a very special bond, great friends and neighbours, especially friend of 67 years John Barr, cottage pal Bruno Roininen and the gang from Bethley Drive. There will be a gathering to celebrate Doug’s life at a later date. (Please contact a family member for info) In lieu of flowers, donations can be

made in his memory to the Toronto Zoo (www.TorontoZoo.com/SupportTheZoo ) where each year the family attended Remembrance Day Services.

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