Rev. Douglas Athol Greenough

GREENOUGH, REV. DOUGLAS - Rev Douglas Athol Greenough passed away peacefully on January 8th with family by his side at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Sarnia, Ontario.
Doug was born on September 6th, 1925 at Seven Persons, Alberta. He graduated from St. Stephen’s College and the University of Alberta with a Bachelors of Arts degree and a Master’s degree of Divinity. Doug was a charter member of the University of Alberta Mixed Chorus. In 1947 he served as President of the Student Christian Movement, U of A, and was a delegate to the first general meeting of the World Student Christian Federation held at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas.
Originally Doug was enrolled at the university in a pre-med program, but his life took a new direction when the minister at the church his family attended asked Doug if, for the summer, he could take services at a country parish in Cold Lake, Alberta, (due to the war there was a lack of theology students who would normally serve these rural churches during the summer). Doug accepted the request as the minister added that there was a church hospital nearby where he could volunteer. Doug served six student Home Missions in rural Alberta during the years he was studying at the University of Alberta and St. Stephen’s College. So was planted the seed that eventually led to a rewarding and meaningful life of service with the church. Rev Doug Greenough was ordained to the Christian ministry at Knox United Church in Calgary in 1951. Since then he has served Four Pastoral charges in Alberta as well as three in Ontario before retiring on September 30th 1990. He served an additional five congregations as Interim Minister for the next decade.
He married Marjorie Barton at Metropolitan United Church in Edmonton on July 1, 1954. This past year they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. Marj has been the joy of his life and the strength of their years together. They camped together with the family in all the provinces of Canada (except Newfoundland) as well as the North West USA. They hosted numerous overseas trips, as well as taking many trips on their own in their retirement years, traveling extensively around the world.
Rev Doug Greenough served as chaplain to the103 RCA reserve army in Fort Macleod Alberta and the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment in Thunder Bay, having attained the rank of Major before departing for Sarnia Ontario.
He also made a point of belonging to a local service club where ever they lived. In the years here in Sarnia he was a member of Golden “K” Kiwanis.
While in Thunder Bay he was active in the Masonic Order, Valley of Fort William and had become a 32 degree Mason of the Scottish Rite. For several years he was in charge of rite for raising members up to the 19th degree.
While in Thunder Bay he was elected to serve on the Board of Governors of McKellar General Hospital in Fort William which he served on for another nine years.
In 2002 Rev Doug Greenough was one of the recipients of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medals, awarded to people who have made a significant contribution to Public Life, (chosen by a public committee formed by the city of Sarnia.)
Doug was fortunate to have a plethora of friends some dating as far back as his early school days. He cherished his family, friendships and connections with the community. He regularly kept in touch by email, post and phone calls right up until he was admitted to hospice. Doug loved life and lived every moment with passion. Friends and family were often treated to stories from his rich and varied life. To him life was a gift not to be squandered. His positive attitude and strong faith in God sustained him through his most challenging times right to his final breath. Much beloved by his family Doug will be sorely missed. He lives forever in their hearts.
Doug leaves behind his beloved wife Marjorie (Barton) , son Brian Greenough (Jill Slipacoff), daughter Mardel (Doug Gook) and son Garth Greenough (Diane Forsyth), grandsons Lucas Greenough (Vancouver) and Benjamen Greenough (Vancouver); Granddaughter Tania Greenough (Atikoken Ontario), great grandchildren Heyden, Haily, Brody and Riley. Brother of Rod Roland (Joan) of Burlington Ontario and Joyce Baker (Russel. d) of St. Albert, Alberta.
Cremation has already taken place. A Memorial service will be held at Grace United Church on Saturday April 23 at 11:00 a.m.  Memorial gifts may be made to Grace United Church, Huron House Boy’s Home or St. Joseph’s Hospice.
The arrangements have been entrusted to the D. J. Robb Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 102 N. Victoria St, Sarnia, ON, N7T 5W9. Memories, photographs or messages of condolence may be shared through www.djrobb.on.ca

Grace United Church https://www.graceucsarnia.com/

Huron House Boys Home https://hhbh.ca/

St. Joseph's Hospice https://www.stjosephshospice.ca/