CUNNINGTON, Douglas
With great sorrow, the family announces the passing of Douglas Lloyd Cunnington on Sunday, February 2, 2014 in his 83rd year at the Temiskaming Hospital, after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer. Doug is survived by his loving wife of nearly 52 years Barbara (nee Mason), his four children Karen Conroy (Bruce Bible), Kathy Franson (Kevin), Kim Cunnington-Taylor (Curtis Taylor) and Kent (Katie-Ann), and his five grandchildren, Megan, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Andrew and Delaney. He will be greatly missed by his brother Harold (Jean, deceased), his brothers-in-law Bruce Mason (Norma), Gordon Mason (Arleen), Barry Mason, Lloyd Mason (Jeannette), his sisters-in-law Jean Howse (Gil), Reta Clarke (George, deceased), Jean Mason, numerous nieces and nephews, and many many friends. Doug was predeceased by his parents (Harry and Elsie Cunnington) and his in-laws (Allan and Alfreda Mason). Doug had a long, full and blessed life dedicated to his family, his church, the community, and agriculture. He was a kind, gentle, quiet man; he was warm, loving, and had a quick wit. While he may have been quiet, he was always paying attention. As his sister-in-law Arleen once commented, "Doug only says something once, so you had better be listening". He was born at home on the Cunnington homestead in Chingaucousy Township, Inglewood, Ontario on February 7, 1931. He took over the farm from his father in 1959. He married Barb in 1962 and moved to Northern Ontario in 1969. Doug operated a beef and cash crop farm in Dymond Township until his retirement in 1995. Doug loved the North and with Barb, created a home surrounded by many lifelong and dear friends. Doug was very active in many organizations, both in Peel County and in the District of Temiskaming; volunteering was almost like a calling. Doug was a humble person and almost always worked behind the scenes, doing whatever was asked of him and more. He was involved with: the Federation of Agriculture, the Soil and Crop Association; the Ontario Farm Safety Council from 1962 - 1970, and was a life member of Peel/Dufferin Plowmen's Association. He was a member of the Kerns Central Lions Club from 1970 until its closure. At the time of his passing, Doug was a member of the New Liskeard Lions Club. He was also on the Dymond Township Council for seven years. Doug was a member of the Mayfield United Church from 1944 until his membership was transferred to the Hillview United Church in 1970 where he remained a member until the time of his passing. He was on the board of stewards in Mayfield, and on the board of session at Hillview from 1972 - 2012. He canvassed for the Canadian Cancer Society for many years and in his retirement volunteered to drive cancer patients to and from their appointments in Sudbury. Doug helped with the annual daffodil sales program, and faithfully sold tickets on behalf of the annual Biker's Reunion, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising money for the local Community Cancer Care. Doug was often recognized for his volunteerism and commitment to the community. The awards he received included: an award of appreciation in 1971 from The Farm Safety Council of Ontario and the Ontario Department of Agriculture and Food; a certificate of appreciation from the Canadian Cancer Society in 1989 for 10 years of dedicated service; the Helen Keller Fellowship Award in 1995 and the Melvin Jones Fellow Award in 2005, both from Kerns Central Lions Club; recipient of the first ever Senior of the Year Award from Dymond Township in 1996; and appointment as an honorary director of the Peel-Dufferin Plowman's Association in 2005. Doug was also a mentor. He and Barb opened their home for many years to students attending the New Liskeard Agricultural College, as well as exchange students from Junior Farmers and Canada World Youth. He guided them with life lessons far beyond their agricultural studies; generally through actions rather than words. His hobbies included gardening, reading, playing cards, and sports and loved following his children in their various sports. Doug enjoyed watching hockey (Maple Leafs), baseball (Blue Jays) and curling on t.v. After retirement Doug and Barb loved to take trips in their 5th wheel camper, travelling throughout Ontario, the Northern United States and Western Canada. Most of all Doug was dedicated to Barb, their four children, and their five grandchildren. We will miss him more than words can ever express. The family is grateful for the compassion and professional support of the staff from Community Care Access Centre, Home Support, Red Cross Care Partners, and the Temiskaming Hospital. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Hillview Pioneer Memorial United Church on Saturday, March 1st, 2014 at 11:00 a.m., with an interment of ashes to take place later in the Cunnington Family Plot in Chinguacousy Township, Caledon, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lions Foundation of Canada (Guide Dogs) (152 Wilson Street, Oakville Ontario, L6K 0G6), Hillview Pioneer Memorial United Church (R.R. 1, New Liskeard, Ontario, P0J 1P0), or Community Cancer Care (P.O. Box 160, New Liskeard, Ontario, P0J 1P0), in Doug's memory.
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