Douglas Earl Sheridan

April 16, 1942 – October 9, 2023 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Doug at the age of 81, loving husband, father and grandfather, and friend who passed away peacefully at Tuxedo Villa Personal Care home, Winnipeg, with his wife by his side on Thanksgiving Day. 

Predeceased by his father Arthur and mother Alice, he leaves to mourn, his loving wife Beverley of 12 years; sons Wayne (Anne-Marie) and Jason (Stephanie); grandchildren Alyson, Jillian, Madeline, Declan and Calder; step-family and friends here in Winnipeg; and a brother Ray and his family along with many long-time friends in Ontario.

Born in Newmarket ON during the height of the Second World War while his father (Arthur) was still serving in Belgium, Holland then Germany. Born premature and with his mother (Alice) having complications from the birth, Doug was not expected to survive. His Aunt Dora took him home to be with family until the end, while Alice recovered in hospital. Dora fashioned a makeshift incubator from blankets and a peach basket, using the wood stove to warm it. Somehow, he survived with only chronic ear infections as a result of his tumultuous entry into the world. 

When Art returned from the war the four members of this young family spent first year (winter included) living in a tent just steps from the house they would make with their own hands the following year. The rationing following the war required them to be creative and the floors and walls were made of deconstructed skids and reused nails. Some of Doug’s earliest memories were straightening nails for hours and handing them to an adult, as piece by piece they built a home.

Growing up right on the edge of town, Doug and his brother (Ray) would hunt and later even run a trap line right from their back door. The Sheridan’s built a second home right next door on Andrews Dr. that included a workshop where Art ran his furnace repair and installation business for over 40 years. Alice lived in this home for almost 70 years passing away in 2016. A very close extended family developed with all but one of Alice’s sisters and her brother moving to Newmarket. 

Attending Newmarket High School Doug excelled in shop class and was a surprisingly talented dancer. Both sons learned the furnace trade from their father with Ray still working in the field until very recently.

Doug had many different jobs while working almost all his adult life, including furnace installation/repair, kitchen cabinet design, water softener installation/repair, custom wood working, and closet design/installation. He was always able to harness his creativity, solving unique challenges and enjoyed working with his hands most of all. One of his biggest achievements was building a home for his family. He was a generous soul and was more than happy to lend those hands to help anyone who needed it. Whether it was family, neighbours, friends or even a stranger, Doug was always ready to help anyone in need.

With his wife of 40 years (Gertrude) Doug had two sons of his own and lived in the Newmarket area most of his life. Doug was always ready for adventure and loved the outdoors almost as much as his family. Whether it was fly-in fishing trips to Nakina, racing his snowmobile, hunting with his family in Haliburton, or just hiking with his boys on a Sunday, he was happiest outside. His sons have countless memories fishing Balsam Lake or Gananoque, Trap shooting at Timberline Club or just cruising the Trent-Severn locks in the old Wilker. 

In December 2009, Doug left Newmarket to begin a new life with Beverley in Winnipeg and in May 2011, they were married at Rowandale Baptist Church, where they became members. Always willing to take a chance, he found love in this new home and was accepted into the family by Bev’s three children Sandi, Glenda and Jeff. He made many close friends at Rowandale, enjoying the men’s group and weekly luncheons and trips to Lake Nutimik to fish. Doug always had a special spot in his heart for a loyal dog and he had many great ones (Charlie, Princess, Brandy, Mitzie, Rex) over the years including right up until the end when he was moved into a care facility.

As per Doug’s wishes, cremation has taken place at Voyage Funeral Home and Crematorium. 

A memorial service will be held at Rowandale Baptist Church, 162 Rowandale Avenue on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., refreshments to follow. Service will be live-streamed (www.Rowandale.ca). 

A celebration of Doug’s life will take place on Saturday October 28, 2023 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at his son’s (Jason) house (79 Cumming Dr. Barrie ON). All those who knew Doug are welcome to attend this drop-in event to remember a well-lived life and grieve our loss. Interment will take place at a later date in Ontario.