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On Sunday, September 29th, 2024, Douglas George Ellis (Doug) passed away peacefully at home at the age of 94. Beloved husband of Shirley, cherished grandfather of Jeremy Laurin (Catharine), Kimberley O’Brien (Matthew) and Great Poppa to Colton and Ronan O’Brien. Father-in-law to Guy Laurin (Sheila) and favourite Uncle of Miki Wood (Ron deceased) and Lynda Donaldson (Norrie deceased) and their families.

Predeceased by his first wife Eleanor, daughter Wendy Laurin, son Ronald, brother Ronald Ellis (WW11-MIA), sisters Marguerite Cassidy (Michael) and Dorothy Sanchez (Gerrard) and nephew Ronald Cassidy (Heather).

Doug was born and raised Ottawa, son of the late Hector Wilson Ellis and Elizabeth Jane Guy. He was educated in Ottawa and completed many courses in New York in Public Administration and Financial Management; completed the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, courses in Municipal Regulations, Provincial Management, Human Behaviour and Public Relations.

Doug worked twenty-two years with Canadian Acceptance Corporation in the field of equipment financing, leasing and mortgages. He was transferred to Brockville from Ottawa in 1957 as District Manager.

He co-founded the Brockville Kinsmen Club in 1962 (having been a member of the Ottawa Club) and served as President, Deputy Governor, Governor for Eastern Ontario and Province of Quebec, National Director and Editor of the Kin National Magazine. He received a Life Membership.

Doug served on various municipal Boards and Committees and was Co-Chair of the Fund Raising Committee for the Centennial Youth Arena in 1967. He was a recipient of the Citizens of the Centennial Year Award for the City.

In 1968 he and two partners built the Sherwood Golf Course today known as Cedar Valley Golf and Country Club. A year later they built the Brockville Speedway.

He ran for City Council in 1971 and was elected Councillor in the West Ward.

Doug was hired by the City of Brockville as the City’s first Chief Administrative Officer in April 1974 serving in that position until retiring in 1994. He assumed the additional duties of Industrial Commissioner until the late 1980’s and was secretary of the Brockville Police Commission for 12 years.

In 1988 he founded the Ontario East Economic Development Commission today a leading force in marketing Eastern Ontario as a place to locate and invest. He received the Economic Development Council of Ontario President’s Award for his contribution to furthering Economic Development in Ontario and in particular, Eastern Ontario.

After retiring from the City he went on to serve as Conference Chair of the Ontario East Municipal Conference a partnership between the Commission and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. He finally retired at the age of 82 years.

The family wish to thank Dr. Torres and Nurses Karen & Jackie, Dr. Fuoco and Cindy, LifeLabs Nurse Katie, Bayshore Nurses Shannon, Sandy and Kelsey, BGH Palliative Care Team, Home and Community Care Support Services, South East, Leeds Grenville Community Paramedics and Ashley of Medigas, for their compassionate care and support.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at the Irvine Memorial Chapel at Roselawn, 2451 County Road 15, Maitland, on Thursday, October 17th. Visitation from 10 am to 12 noon, service at 12 noon, followed by reception at 1pm.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Brockville and District Hospital Foundation - Palliative Care Program or, the Urology Department; or to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute will be gratefully acknowledged by the family.

Send condolences or share a special thought of Doug on the memory wall above.