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Douglas Jeffery Roche passed away January 24, 2024, after a short illness in his 69th year, in Sarnia, Ontario. Beloved father of Jennifer Roche and predeceased by his parents Stanley and Mary Roche and his brother Larry.
Born in Toronto, Doug was a true adventurer from an early age. At 17 he was off to Northern Ontario for the summer, working with Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry (MNRF). Doug loved being in the bush, which set the stage for the start of his career. He graduated from Sir Sandford Fleming College in Forestry and was off to his first placement in Sioux Lookout with the MNRF. He enjoyed his time fighting forest fires in Sioux Lookout, but was anxious to try a new adventure, so he was off to Fort Simpson, NWT., where he had more senior roles in forest fire management including air surveillance in helicopters. This led Doug to get both his fixed wing and helicopter pilot’s licences.
Well to move on to a new chapter in his life, Doug moved to Kingston to become a power lineman for Ontario Hydro. After several years of progressive roles with Ontario Hydro, Doug decided to become an independent instructor and he taught electrical courses throughout Ontario. During which time he became an accomplished sailor, scuba diver and photographer. Doug was a very talented photographer, and his work was presented at selected galleries in Ontario.
Doug moved on to a new career chapter and became involved in many windmill developments throughout Canada and the United States. He retired and resided in Nipigon, Vancouver Island and finally Sarnia. He continued with his interest in photography, always looking for a new creative way to develop his work.
In as much as Doug died at an early age, he lived a full life of adventure. Doug will be sorely missed by his beloved daughter Jennifer and the many friends he made in his travels. He will also be missed by his best friend of nearly 60 years, Duncan Hamilton. Doug was a real cat lover and leaves behind his two pampered cats.
We thank Bluewater Health for the great care Doug received by the nurses and doctors and St. Joseph’s Hospice. We would also like to express our appreciation to Penny Shewfelt for all her help with Doug while he was in the hospital.
If desired, a donation to the Liver Foundation or the Humane Society would be appreciated.