Douglas John Macmillan
Douglas John Macmillan passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 14, 2026, at Lisaard House after a courageous struggle with cancer. He was 89 years old.
Doug was born on May 1, 1936, in Melbourne, Australia. In 1960, he married the love of his life, Helen, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned 65 wonderful years. Together they built a life grounded in love, resilience, and adventure.
After spending the first six years of their marriage in Melbourne, Doug, a Chemical Engineer working for a large vinyl products company, embraced an international career that would take the family across the globe. He accepted an opportunity to relocate to New Zealand, and two years later to Singapore. Soon after, an opportunity brought the family to Canada, where Doug joined the Chaplin Family of Cambridge in their enterprise, Canadian General Tower.
Doug enjoyed a long and successful career at Canadian General Tower, travelling extensively and contributing meaningfully to the company’s growth. He retired in 1999, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism, integrity, and dedication.
In his younger years, Doug was an enthusiastic Australian rules football player, a sport that reflected his competitive spirit and love of teamwork. As the years went on, he developed a passion for rebuilding sports cars, combining patience, craftsmanship, and mechanical skill. He also cultivated a deep appreciation for fine wines, delighting in collecting and tasting selections from around the world with friends and family. Golf was another lifelong love — from his youth through his later years, he could often be found on the course or watching the game with keen interest.
Doug was a loving husband to Helen and a proud father to Jane and Craig, and a much-loved father-in-law to Sharon. He will be deeply missed by his many friends and extended family in both Canada and Australia. His warmth, curiosity, humor, and steady presence touched all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 12, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Galt Country Club. Yes, The Masters will be showing in the TV, Doug would have wanted this!
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Lisaard House, Community Living Cambridge or Fairview Mennonite Home in gratitude for the care and compassion shown to Doug and his family.
Doug’s life was marked by devotion to family, a spirit of adventure, and a genuine enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures. He will be remembered always and missed beyond measure.
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