Douglas Taverner

Beloved husband of Louise of Barkway. Beloved father of Marsha (Sebastian) Nievas of Rosemont and Blake (Erin) Taverner of Gravenhurst. Loving grandfather of Alex, Clara, Addison and Chael. Loving son of Eileen and the late John Taverner of Barkway. Predeceased by sister Jacqueline.

Doug grew up in Toronto but spent weekends and summers at his grandparents’ farm in Barkway. He loved helping out on the farm and after graduating high school in Toronto decided to make Barkway his permanent residence. He met his wife Louise at the Summerland Dance Hall and they were married and built their home in Barkway in 1973. In 1977, Doug and Louise welcomed their daughter Marsha, and their son Blake in 1979.

Doug started this career driving dump truck for Marshall Campbell, and then got an opportunity to start an electrical apprenticeship with Gravenhurst Plumbing and Electric. Once licensed, he began working at Gravenhurst Public Utility Commission where he worked his way up to superintendent. In the 1990s, Doug started his own electrical business, which his son Blake eventually joined, and continues to operate.

A generous man, Doug spent years of his life in service to his community, as Captain of the Ryde Community Fire Department (22 years), Gravenhurst Councillor Ward for Ryde (6 years), Director/ Chairperson of the Ryde Ratepayers’ Association and on the Board of Directors for the Muskoka Pioneer Power Association (14 years). He was passionate about keeping his ancestors’ pioneering history alive. He loved collecting and displaying his antique Cockshutt tractors. Doug loved hunting in Lewisham and spending time with his family at the hunt camp. He lived for his family and deeply loved his grandchildren, celebrating and boasting with pride about their accomplishments.

Doug passed peacefully at his home in Barkway after a life well lived in dedication to his family and community.

Memorial donations to Muskoka Pioneer Power Association, P.O. Box 2256, Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 1W2 would be sincerely appreciated.

A private family service is being held.