Doug Kerr
Doug Kerr
Doug Kerr

Obituary of Doug Kerr

Kerr: Douglas Henry  -

Sometimes the measure of a good man isn’t about fame or riches or material possessions but more about everyday actions of kindness and service.

To a person, anyone who knew Doug Kerr would describe him as a helper. Whether it be assisting family members with construction projects or repairs (and he could fix anything) or rescuing dozens of stranded motorists who often broke down on the highway in front of the family home.  Doug cared for his elderly mother and his in-laws for many years. There never was a stray cat that wasn’t welcomed at the Kerr compound and at the end it was his beloved pets who comforted him the most, especially Tommy.

Born in 1948, a lifelong resident of Chatham-Kent, Douglas Henry Kerr was the son of Jack and Helen Kerr and the beloved brother of Cathy Fancy (Gerry Leschyshyn), Bill Kerr (Annalee) and Gary Kerr (Sandy).  He will be forever missed by his sister-in-law Wendy King.

Doug married his high school sweetheart Sherry (King) in 1972.  He designed and constructed their home on Queensline in Chatham-Kent where they resided most of their married life.

His next door neighbours happened to be his in-laws Tom and Betty King and they worked together on many home renovations.

Doug worked at Ontario Steel for several years before going back to school and becoming a plumber/pipefitter working most of his career with United Autoworkers local 552, out of Windsor.

His passion for aviation lead to him becoming a hobby pilot and spurred him to construct in his shed, his very own Piper Cub airplane.

With his brilliant mind, he came up with inventions and techniques for farm and garden equipment including a forced air wood burning furnace.

Doug loved travel to the scenic locales of Hawaii and Tennessee and never saw a mountain range or sunset he didn’t marvel at.  Not much for social outings, he preferred solitary activities and was happiest at home or flying.

A man of few words Doug chose his comments carefully and lived by the Golden Rule “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Doug didn’t care much for the spotlight or a lot of fanfare, so respecting his wishes, he will be remembered quietly and privately by his family and friends.

His mind and body were ravaged by Alzheimers but his sense of humour remained to the end. Through so much pain and sadness there was always lots of laughter.

Doug may have forgotten many things about his own life but none of us will ever forget him.

Donations can be made to: Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent, CK Animal Rescue or Street Cats Rescue in Barrie, Ontario.
 
“Fly with the angels and dance with the stars”

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040

 

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