Doug Pettifer

Gordon Douglas Pettifer passed peacefully at Markham-Stouffville hospital on August 13, 2025, at age 96. Deeply loved by his wife Joan of 69-years, his 3 children Tim (Jolana), Mark and Ann (Arlie); 8 Grandchildren Braydon (Mary) , Aaron (Jessica), Caileigh (Tyler), Taylor, Kyle, Morgan, Emily (Stephen) and Evan (Sarahi); and 4 Great Grandchildren Mila, Abigail, Gordie and Paisley. Doug moved from New Liskeard, ON to Toronto as a young man where he met his beloved Joan at Immanuel Baptist Church. Over the next 75 years he played prominent roles in the church holding a variety of positions including Chairman of the Board of Management, Chairman of the Board of Deacons and Secretary Treasurer while also being involved with the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec. He began his work career in the electronics and telecommunications industries at AC Simmonds & Sons before being a founding member of Lenbrook Industries with his friend and mentor, David Simmonds. Later in his career he established BIRDE Marketing with friends and business associates Bill Strangways, Ivan Noble and Ralph Snyder. Following retirement, Doug sat on the Board of Directors at Shobrook Gardens, a retirement residence in Uxbridge, ON. Doug travelled the world for business and following retirement, he and Joan travelled extensively becoming frequent travellers with Holland America Cruise lines.

The family is grateful to the staff and caregivers at Markham-Stouffville Hospital and Amica Swan Lake Retirement Residence in Markham for their care over the past three years. Special thanks to the 3rd floor staff at Amica including Josie, Jerry, Cathy and Sondra for their compassion and care.

A visitation for Mr. Pettifer will be held at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes - Thornhill (8088 Yonge St) on Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 from 2pm-4pm & 6pm-8pm.

A funeral service will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church (1100 Finch Ave E) on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 11am. Following the service a reception will take place at church. A private burial will take place.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation in Douglas' memory to the Alzheimer's Society or Immanuel Baptist Church.