Obituary of Douglas James Miller

It is with a profound sense of loss that we announce the passing of Douglas James Miller on January 10, 2021, in St. Catharines, Ontario, his home for many years. 

Doug was born in Toronto, Ontario in 1941 to Richard Miller and Marian Harris. (Deceased) He is survived by his sister Diadre Nawrocki, her husband John; his nephews Daniel (wife Sawa) and Edward (wife Sophie, and their children Belle, Max & Finn); his ward Geoffrey (wife Lorie); along with close friends Jim, Ilse, Rod, Judy, Denise, Tom, Stefan and Madeline. 

Doug was always a loyal and caring friend to the people he met in the course of his life. Especially during his many years as a member at QCYC, the Rosedale Group, the Granite Club, and to all his neighbors on Glengarry Ave in Toronto and Longford Cres in St Catharines. 

After graduating from De La Salle College high school, he ventured into accounting and then machine accounting systems as an operations manager. He went on to earn several certificates from Ryerson University to stay current with the advent of computerized accounting, and pursued a career at Grenville Management Services.  

Doug was an avid sailor for much of his life. He first became interested in sailing when a friend he worked with at Woolworths took him out on his Lightning in the early 60s. Doug just loved it and joined ABYC, and purchased his first boat, a wooden Rainbow.  In 1967, he joined QCYC where he had remained a member for over 53 years, even commuting from Montreal in the early 70s to be at the club. Doug enjoyed making lake crossings over the years, and even held the position of Fleet Captain. He eventually purchased a Bayfield 23 and named it Frodo II, followed by an Aloha 28 called “Whitecap”.  In August 2011, he transitioned to a Campion 30 Trawler called “Sea Loon” that he spent a great deal of time restoring in subsequent years.  

When not out on the water he could be found volunteering in the community of St. Catharines. or seen out walking his beloved dog Kaydo in the neighborhood, around the club, or at his time share in St. Augustine Florida. He was also an avid coin collector, and Model-T enthusiast. 

He died peacefully in his sleep at the St Catharines General Hospital. Cremation has taken place and his ashes returned to Toronto, where he will be buried alongside his parents, brother Ricky and dog Kaydo. A memorial service will be announced at a future date when we can all safely gather.   Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.