Doug was born on January 30, 1934 in Kenora, Ontario to Walter and Dolly Kitt.
In 1954 Doug met Loretta Bellon. From a distance his smile captivated her heart. As mom would say” his smile could light up a room”. They married in Sioux Lookout in 1955. From there their life journey together began. Over the next 10yrs they welcomed 6 children into this world.
Doug started his career working for the Department of Lands and Forests based in Sioux Lookout, erecting forestry lookout towers. After Doug and Loretta married they ran a laundry service while Doug was working as a trainman for CN. As his family grew, he moved to Dryden to work at Dryden Chemicals. Later, he transferred with the company to Brandon Manitoba. In 1978, he moved the family to Thunder Bay where he began working for ERCO Industries Ltd. as Maintenance-Production Co-ordinator. He retired from the company in 1997 while serving as the Plant Manager for several years.
Doug was an avid golfer, curler and camper/fisherman. He and Loretta traveled all over Canada/US while enjoying retirement.
He was also a jack of all trades who always was tackling some project. With his roll of duct tape, can of WD40, tie wraps and tool belt, any repair could be done. He was driven to keep going, so much so that he continued with his yard work right up until the week before his passing.
Doug was a long- time member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a District Deputy and a 4th Degree Knight. You could always find him busy at the Columbus Centre helping in the kitchen on Spaghetti suppers or Pancake Breakfasts. He also helped with the maintenance of the hall. He enjoyed attending the weekly coffee club regularly before COVID restrictions interrupted that.
Doug is survived by his wife of 66 years, Loretta and his children; daughter- Julie Martin, sons- John Paul (Val), David (Tara), Don (Carla), Wally (Lorrie), Ken (Tracey), along with 11 grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren.
Doug loved and supported his family in all their endeavors. He was the ultimate gentleman and treated everyone with respect.
Also left to mourn is his brother John (Alicia) Kitt of Dryden Ont.
A special thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff at both the TBRHSC and St. Joseph’s hospice that helped make our father comfortable in his last days.
Funeral Services for Doug will be held in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre on Saturday, November 20, 2021 presided by Fr. Michael Mahoney at 11:00 a.m. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior.
As directed by the province of Ontario and the Bereavement Authority of Ontario proof of vaccination and valid ID are required to attend the services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Doug’s memory to the Northern Cancer Fund (TBRHSF) or a charity of your choice.
