Doug Rhodes

Loving and devoted husband of Jo Ann for 64 years. Devoted and loving father of Debbie Jo Linklater (Jim), Susan Murray (late Michael) and Doug (Mary). Proud Papa of Paige Linklater (Stephen), Jarrett Linklater, Riley Jo MacFarlane (Josh), Matthew Murray and Daniel Murray (Lyra). His great grandchildren Remi and Boone were the highlight of his days. Son of the late Jack and Amelia Rhodes. Dear brother of Linda Moss (Cliff), Bill Rhodes (late Kitty), the late John Rhodes (late Vivian), and late June Derks (late John). Brother-in-law of Lloyd Walton (Brenda) and Brenda Ostaff (Dennis). Doug will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. He was a dear and loyal friend to many.

Friends are invited to visit with family at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E. 705-759-2522) on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 from 4pm to 8pm. Funeral service to follow on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 11am. Rev. Phil Miller officiating. Go to www.funeraweb.tv and select Doug's name to view the service. The service can be viewed anytime up to 90 days. Memorial contributions to Every Breakfast Counts (AFS Foundation), the Salvation Army or the War Amps Canada would be greatly appreciated.

Special thank you to his many doctors and nurses over the years, most recently Brenda and Debra from the CHF Clinic, the team from Bayshore HealthCare, and Paulo and staff from Metro Pharmacy Northern Ave.

Please visit www.arthurfuneralhome.com to share a memory or message of condolence for the Rhodes family.

In Doug's words, "Share your beautiful smile, a happy hello, a wave of your hand, and a gentle hug".

A Letter From Heaven

To my dearest family, some things I’d like to say….

But first of all, to let you know, I have arrived OK.

I’m writing this from Heaven. Here I dwell with God above.

Here there’s no more tears of sadness; there is just eternal Love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight.

Remember that I’m with you every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,

God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “I welcome you”.

It’s good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.

As for your dearest family, they will be here later on.

I need you here badly; you’re part of my great plan.

There’s so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man”

God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do.

And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night, the day’s chores put to flight.

God and I are closest to you…..in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth and all those loving years,

Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.

Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you, all that God has planned

But if I were to tell you, you would not understand.

But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o’er,

I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead and many hills to climb;

But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too,

That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who is in sorrow and in pain,

Then you can say to God at night…”My day was not in vain”.

And now I am content that my life has been worthwhile,

Knowing that along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is feeling sad and low,

Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.

When you’re walking down the street; and you’ve got me on your mind,

I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it’s time for you to go….from that body to be free,

Remember you’re not going; you’re coming here to me.

To all my very dear family and friends old and new,

I want all of you to know how I truly loved you. I have been blessed with so many wonderful people in my life and I am so thankful to have had you with me through good times and bad, happy times and sad.

I can’t possibly name all of you but some I would like to say a special thank you to.

I want to say thank you to my sister Linda and brother in law Cliff. You were always there to help us out no matter what the problem was. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you. My brother Bill, who made sure to drop in for a chat and a beer. I love you my brother.

Our Neil Diamond Gang. Eight strangers, a ghetto blaster and Diamond CD’s, met on a Neil Diamond Tour bus and became friends for life. So many wonderful dinners and special parties. Thank you Brenda and Terry, George and Sylvia and Claude and Cora.

The special Beer and Wing Gang. Every Thursday at Bay Mills or Pete’s Cozy Inn. Many laughs, many stories and much Beer. And a special thanks to the best draft pourer in the North. Always a full glass and no foam. I really missed you during the winter because I never got a full glass until you came back. Thank you Ian.

My Thursday lunch gang. We started out at Docks as Betty’s Boys and stayed there until it was sold. We had 3 great friends, Betty our Darling server and Paul and Renee who owned it. From there we moved to North 82 where we became the North 82 Old Guys. We had the best table in the restaurant and were served by our Beautiful Kerri. Thank you for putting up with me. We solved all the problems of the world during a 1 or 2 hour lunch every Thursday for many years. We also solved a lot of our own problems as well and I was never without a ride to or from. Thank you John, Evert, Fraser and Glen.

My Rhode House Friends. So many who came to our home to watch football and who gave so much. I can only say thank you and I love you and God works in many ways.

Here’s a little poem that kind of says it all.

You’re….My friend, my companion, through good times and bad

My friend, my buddy, through happy and sad

Beside me you stand, beside me you walk

You’re there to listen, you’re there to talk

With happiness, with smiles, with pain and tears

I knew you’d be there, throughout the years!

You’re all good friends to me and I am grateful to all of you

Love as always,

Doug………

Death takes the Body

God takes the Soul

Our Mind holds the Memories

Our Hearts keep the Love

Our Faith lets us know we will meet again…