Death Notice

LEIGHTON, Douglas - After a short dance with pancreatic cancer, the Reverend Canon Dr. Douglas Leighton died on May 3, 2022, surrounded by family. Douglas was the Canon Historian of the Anglican Diocese of Huron, Emeritus Professor of History at Huron College, Past President of the Ontario Historical Society, Past President of the Society of Automotive Historians, and a longtime council member of the Champlain Society. Born in London and raised in Hamilton and Dundas, a region that remained close to his heart, Douglas was a graduate of McMaster University, Althouse College of Education, the University of Western Ontario, and Huron College. He taught for 43 years at Huron, where he established courses in First Nations history and automotive history. A recipient of several teaching awards, Douglas loved teaching and regarded it as a high calling. He was widely respected as a gifted educator, mentor and colleague.

Douglas is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his children, Emily (Blaine), Claire (Brent), Douglas (Lauren), Kate, and Mary (Sean); and grandchildren, Valerie, Jacob, and Jessica. Other family members include his brother, Gordon (Martina) and sister, Beverly; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Douglas will be fondly remembered as a voracious reader, automobile aficionado, and an enthusiastic pole walker. He was a pillar of his community, with deep compassion and empathy for others. Douglas will be missed dearly, and is loved beyond measure.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, which will be followed by a reception and reminiscences. Later inurnment at St. Luke's Pine River.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice of London.

Condolences may be emailed to: info@harrisfuneralhome.ca

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