Obituary

With the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of Douglas Archibald McTavish on Thursday, April 21, 2022. Loving husband of Myrna for 62 beautiful years. He was an exceptional father to his three daughters: Arlene (Mark), Carol (Steve), Alison (Nick) and son Scott (Jessica). He will be forever remembered by his grandchildren: Hailey (Greg), Taylor, Madeline, Maggie (Ben), Sydney, Cole, Holland, Quinn, and Berkley. Doug will be sadly missed by his younger brother Bradley (Rosemary), and favourite sister Linda Spahr, as well as extended family and friends. Doug was born in Apsley, Ontario on April 26, 1937 to the late Neil and Vera McTavish. He grew up on a farm near Mount Forest and enjoyed the country life. Doug graduated from Mount Forest High School and went on to be a graduate of U of T’s Civil Engineering Degree (’59). He later earned his Master of Applied Science and Master of Business Administration. Doug started his career with the Ontario Water Resources Commission which later became the Ministry of Environment. Doug moved his family from Toronto to London in 1974 to take the position of Director for the Ministry of Environment for Southwestern Ontario. After serving 34 years with the Ontario Government, he was appointed to the International Joint Commission, a position he held until retiring in 1998. Doug was an active member of several professional associations. He was also a member and past president of the London Downtown Rotary Club. Doug cherished his roots and spent holidays and retirement with loved ones, at the family farm, outside of Mount Forest as well as golfing at Pike Lake. Doug and Myrna also loved to travel over the years, both on their own and with their many friends. The funeral service will be held at the England Funeral Home, 294 Main Street South, Mount Forest, on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 12 noon, with visitation from 10:30-11:45am. Interment to follow at Mount Forest Cemetery. Please wear a mask. If you are unable to attend the service in person, you are invited to view the service livestream by visiting www.englandfuneralhome.com and clicking on the link below Doug’s obituary. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Doug are asked to consider the Rotary Club of London or the Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation.