Douglas Charles Allen Crossman

Doug leaves behind his wife Elizabeth (Elly Groen) of 47 years. Father of Sheila & Tom Busch, Rob, Paul & Zora, Ryan & Leanne, stepfather to Gary & Jen Dendekker and Sherry & Tracy Tizzard. Grandfather of 18 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Doug will also be remembered by his brothers Art, John & Sharon, sister-in-law Louise, and special mention to a loving niece, Linda & Wayne Irven, and nephews Steve, Kevin, and Mark Mitchell. He will be remembered by his in-laws Adriana & Greg Hatton, Andrew & Shelley Groen, Peter & Teresa Groen, and Lorraine Hannaford. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph & Annie Crossman, in-laws, Marinus & Wendy Groen, siblings Rosalee & Bill Andrus, Herb Crossman, Joyce & Ross Mitchell, Don Crossman, Kathy & Wilf Gliddon, brother-in-law Ron Hannaford, and beloved grandson “Blaker” Crossman.

Doug was the proud owner operator of Putney’s Brake & Alignment in Hamilton for 44 years from 1968-2008, after which his son, Paul, took it over. Doug was known by all who loved him as a patient, caring, and deeply compassionate man. He had a special gift for supporting and encouraging people with disabilities, offering them steady kindness and genuine friendship including his niece, Sarah Hannaford and neighbour, Davey. A respected leader in his field, Doug was involved in several organizations like Hamilton ATSSA/TMTA, CFMS, HARA, i-Car Apprenticeship council within the mechanical community and spent many proud years at Putney’s Brake & Alignment, where he was not only a skilled mechanic, but a trusted mentor to numerous apprentices. Outside of work, Doug found joy in tending his garden and keeping a perfectly manicured lawn. He cherished the simple routines that brought him connection and comfort—enjoying coffee hour with his St. Elizabeth Village friends and heading to Wendy’s every Wednesday for lunch. At home, Doug was easy going and happiest in the quiet moments: relaxing in his beloved La-Z-Boy, watching Heavy Rescue: 401, or making his famous grilled cheese and bacon and eggs for his grandchildren. He lived a life marked by his love, humility, and quiet devotion to the people around him. He will be sorely missed.

Visitation will take place Thursday, December 4 from 5:00-8:00 pm at Maranatha Free Reformed Church (1114 Old Mohawk Rd in Ancaster). Interment service will be on Friday, December 5 at 9:45 am at White Chapel cemetery (Main St. W. in Hamilton). Funeral service to be held at 11:00 am at Maranatha Free Reformed Church, officiated by Rev. Lawrence J. Bilkes. A light lunch will follow in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, donations to Rehoboth Christian School in Copetown ([email protected]) would be appreciated.