It is with great love and sadness that we announce the passing of Douglas George McNeill on August 9, 2025, in Brampton, Ontario. Doug was born on October 1, 1942, in Danville, Quebec.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Dianne Eleanor (Grainger) McNeill; his parents, Marjorie (Duffett) and Kenneth G. McNeill; and his sister, Mildred (Mimi) Baker. Doug is survived by his beloved wife, Judy (Massey) McNeill; his sister, Shirley Bent (David); his daughters, Lisa Gleva (Paul Stewart) and Donna Cabral (Joe); his grandchildren, Bostin Gleva (Claire), Madison Gleva (Brandon), Taylor Cabral, Jacob Cabral, and Dawson Cabral (Cassidy); and his treasured great-granddaughter, Charlotte. He also leaves behind many friends and extended family members, including especially dear nieces and nephews whose lives he followed with interest and affection—whether in Richmond, Melbourne, Ontario, or farther afield in recent years.

Doug’s strong work ethic began early — at just five years old, he took a job stocking shelves at a market in Danville with a single goal: to save for a bicycle. When he didn’t turn up for work one day, the shop owner called Doug’s father, who replied that he likely wouldn’t see Doug at work again — he was out riding the bike he had bought with his wages.

At 17, Doug joined the Royal Canadian Navy, serving first aboard the Chaudire out of Halifax and later excelling as a signalman on the minesweeper Chignecto. After leaving the Navy, he returned to the Eastern Townships and began working at Johns Manville, the world’s largest open-pit asbestos mine. It was during this time that he met Dianne at a Saturday night dance at the Salmon Creek Pavilion in Upper Melbourne. The two married in 1965, settled in Danville, and welcomed two daughters.

Doug’s career later took the family to Ontario, where he worked for Air Canada and then Sears, where he excelled in appliance sales. Known for his kind nature and easygoing manner, Doug built strong relationships wherever he went.

He loved his family deeply — his children, his grandchildren (whom he somehow adored even more), and his extended family of nieces and nephews. Among the many treasured relationships in his life, Doug shared a special bond with his son-in-law Joe, who was like a son to him. The two spent many Sundays together playing cribbage and enjoying each other’s company — a friendship built on laughter, good-natured competition, and mutual respect. Doug also loved spending time with friends and family around a card table, where games were filled with lively conversation, shared laughter, and favourite stories. An avid golfer in his day, he could recall his favourite courses and holes in vivid detail right up until his final days.

In 2011, Doug and Judy, both widowed, found love again with each other. Lifelong friends, they were fortunate to spend these years travelling — with Maui holding a special place in their hearts — and enjoying summers together in the West Lake Willows community in Prince Edward County accompanied by their beloved cat, Missy. Doug especially enjoyed the card games with “the guys” there, where they played for dimes — high stakes, indeed.

Doug will be remembered as a kind, amiable man who loved fully and lived with warmth, humour, and generosity of spirit.