Holding hands and encircled with love, Douglas George 'Doug' Marshall passed away on March 27th, 2024 at 5:16 PM in his 83rd year at Mariposa House Hospice.
Beloved and very devoted husband of Georgetta Martha Borrow for almost 48 years and very loving and proud father of Tiffany and her husband, Roberto Muto. Adoring grandfather to the light of his life, Lucianna, affectionately called Luci.
Doug is survived by his brothers, Harold (Janet) of Kitchener, Willard (Helen) of Elmvale, the late Walter (Deborah) of Elmvale, and Sisters In-Law, Heather Fell of Orillia and Iva Jean (Glenn) Andrews of Bracebridge. Doug is the son-in-law to the late Byrdie and George Borrow and brother-in-law of the late Ronald and Billy Borrow. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and their children. We want to send a special thank you to Zachery and Zoe Fell for being with great uncle Doug as he passed into the hands of the angels. Doug has been affectionately known as Mr. Doug, the best insurance broker, and more recently as Dougie. When he was called Dougie Wougie by special people - he said "really"?
Born April 15, 1941 in Minesing, Ontario, Doug was the oldest son of Thomas and Dorothy (Muir) Marshall, both predeceased. The family moved to the Elmvale area 1946 and Doug attended Elmvale Public School and Elmvale District High School. He enjoyed his summer jobs at the Elmvale Creamery so he was off to the dairy school in 1960 at the Ontario Agricultural College in Guelph. Doug worked in various dairies and creameries- including Bessie’s Dairy Products in Stayner, then in Bruce County including Owen Sound, Southampton and Port Elgin. By the mid 1960s the dairy industry became dominated by large corporations, and small dairies were rapidly closing.
Doug returned to Elmvale in 1963 and worked at the Ford wholesaler. He ran a retail bread franchise for Canada Bread. In 1966 Doug moved to Fenelon Falls and operated a summer restaurant and a Canada Bread franchise out of Lindsay. Business was Doug's strength and in 1967 he began an amazing 40 year career as an Insurance Agent and Broker until he retired in 2007. Doug worked for an agent in Lindsay then became manager of an agency in Kirkfield. Doug purchased that agency in 1976 and established Doug G Marshall Insurance Brokers. In 1977 he sold the Kirkfield office and opened in Orillia in 1979. The rest was an amazing 40 years of excellent service to many wonderful clients with many becoming exceptional, lifelong friends. Doug earned his CIP and took many courses, upgrading his knowledge in the insurance industry.
He believed that insurance was more than a policy.. He enjoyed five pin bowling, golfing, and curling (and socializing) at the Orillia Curling Club. Doug had an infinity for stock car racing at the local Speedway and on the NASCAR circuit. At the Barrie Speedway, Doug wrote the weekly press write ups for our local newspapers and CASCAR , as well as Ontario weekly papers. He sponsored race cars at Peterborough, Barrie, and Sunset Speedways. He and his fellow race friends attended NASCAR races for over 40 years all over the states. Doug was a member of Westmount United Church in Orillia for over 45 years. He served as a chair of council, on the board of trustees and every committee on the council during his service. During these years, Doug also served as the treasurer of Muskoka Presbytery for 12 years.
During most recent years, you could find him at local car shows with his beautiful 1967 Dodge Coronet 500. Doug was the most consummate businessman and organizer of all things, including lawn care, snow removal, his yard and his gardens. He loved his daily walks and caring for his yard... Just on March 12 and 14th Doug spent the days picking up every branch or twig that Mother Nature dropped on his yard over the winter. All neatly broken into smaller pieces, he made it easier for his brother-in-law Glenn to load them into the trailer for proper disposal. (Thank you Glenn)
Doug was always super organized in every aspect of his life. Every detail was laid out even as to the day to change the water filter or add Septo back to protect the septic system. He was a master of finances with every detail recorded and arranged for his family to follow in their new life journey.
Georgetta and Tiffany wish to send a very heartfelt thank you to everyone who has taken time to reach out during this difficult time. Thank you to Doug's long- time friend, Don Hilliard. Don visited regularly so Georgetta was able to attend personal and family needs. They enjoyed their coffee and guy chats over racing events, life stories and just listening as Doug outlined his final desires. Special thanks also to all the parents and children who came for visits with Doug over the recent months who were in Georgetta and Doug’s daycare since 2005. Josh, you were amazing, we all thank you so much. We also need to mention Amanda Hewitt, Heido LeBoeuf, Erin Price, Tina Tanzi, Tracey Vreugdenhil, Pam Jermey, Cathy MacDonald, Melanie Harlow & Heidi Kent. Everything each did was very much appreciated by us. Also a very heartfelt thank you to Bev Day for your wonderful support and prayers in the last few days of Doug's life.
Doug knew that he needed to be at Mariposa House Hospice for his final days and it was truly amazing. This place is the home away from Home. The nurses, PSW, volunteers are incredible. We thanked Doug for making this decision to help us get through his final days. We would be remiss if we did not also send a special thank you to our Home care team, Kiera, Erin, and "Dr" Joanne. Doug had such faith and respect in these wonderful people and looked forward to their visits. Dr. Sarah Rask and Dr. Liang Zeng were very trusted by Doug and we thank them for all their care, Dr. Greg Monaghan also deserves to be thanked for his friendship, calm demeanor, and visits and phone calls. Doug was pleased to receive pictures of candles his friends Tina and Elly lit for Doug while abroad. Such a great honour to be bestowed upon Doug. Thank you.
--We will not die with you, we will live for you. Take flight with angel wings, my love. We love you and will miss you every day.
In following with Doug's wishes, a visitation will be held at Carson Funeral home, 54 Coldwater St. E., Orillia, on Sunday April 14th from 12-2pm. A memorial service will commence at 2pm with reception afterwards with family and friends. It is Doug's special request that donations be made in his Memory to Mariposa House Hospice, Severn Ontario.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.carsonfuneralhomes.com