Douglas Charles Cunnington passed away at home in Kimberley on Sunday, July 27th at the age of 84 surrounded by his family.
Born in Huntsville, Ontario, a son of pioneers, Doug thrived in the hardships of rural life, and his love of nature permeated everything he did. Doug and his family lived in the family estate on Lake of Bays, Ontario in the small community which bears the family name, Port Cunnington, until he and his wife decided to take a leap of faith and move westward in 1998, spending 5 years in Canmore, Alberta, until finally landing in Kimberley, BC, where he spent the last 23 years.
Doug’s early career as a teacher led him into Scouting where his skills and passions soon impacted Scouts of all ages. He led troops of Scouts to Canadian and World Jamborees and developed programs as the National Program Director for Jamborees for Scouts Canada. He loved nothing more than to share his knowledge and passions of the outdoors with others. He also helped develop and implement training programs for future Scout Leaders. If you wanted to find Doug in the summer in Ontario, you would probably find him in a canoe leading a rag tag armada of Scouts across a lake in Algonquin Park.
Doug was a Volunteer Firefighter in Lake of Bays for decades and was involved in many other areas of community service. He put his heart and soul into everything he did, including his family.
After moving west, Doug’s “retirement” career led him into Real Estate, which he worked at until age 79.
His two favourite pastimes in later years were photography and history. Doug loved to get out and photograph wildlife and was brilliant at it, his home adorned with many of his photos. He always knew how to catch the perfect shot. Preserving the history of Lake of Bays and his family became a goal of his, and he leapt into the world of book writing. He spent years and years researching and wrote approximately 10 books about the Cunnington family history, and the history of Lake of Bays, which now bless the bookshelves and coffee tables of hundreds of homes across the land.
While his passing came with an immense amount of sorrow, his family takes great pride and solace in all his accomplishments. He didn’t measure success with dollar signs. He measured it with love, passion, and dedication.
Doug is survived by his wife, his 3 sons, daughter in law, son in law, and 2 grandchildren who all still live in the West, and 2 sisters in Lake of Bays, as well as countless cousins and relations also in Lake of Bays.
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So very sad to hear of Doug’s passing . I remember well his outdoor skills and assistance when we taught winter survival to students. A kind and gentle man who will live on in his books and sons and grandchildren . Sincere condolences to Helen, his sons , June and Joanne. .
RIP Doug.
Jim and Nancy
A life Well Lived! Condolences to the family.
Janice McIntyre (Late Lyle)
Doug was a valued member of the Huntsville Photography Club for years…Always excited to present his latest photo essay, and we learned about photography, his travels and him through them…Joanne and June you are in my thoughts.
I worked with Doug and Helen at Irwin. There were gentle kind people. I enjoyed Doug’s stories and tales about Lake of Bays. He and Helen both had an impact on my children and I appreciate that. All my best to the family as they reflect and remember Doug.
Susan Lovell
Remembering Doug when he taught at Irwin School and planned camping trips for his students . He encouraged many students to appreciate nature
Sending my sympathy to all the family and extra love and prayers to his two sisters June and Joanne 💕