Douglas Dempsey

Passed away, still telling stories at the Toronto General Hospital, to his family who were at his side. He will be dearly missed and remembered by his devoted wife Anita. He often said, "Anita finally caught me when I slowed down in my later forties, and for that I am truly grateful. For me life really began at forty-nine." His wonderful family members have all stood together through his final days and take strength from the memory of the wonderful life they shared. The children: David (Pam) and his daughter Lauren; Susanne (Ted) and her daughters Sarah, Aibhne, Marrison and Kate; Julia (Nancy) and her daughter Krista and son Kyle; Debora (John) and her daughter Jerica and son Dane; Laura (Jon) and their daughter Tandia and son James and Christopher (Karoline) remember the fun times together.

He was the proud grandfather of Krista and Kyle Paul; Lauren Dempsey; Sarah, Aibhne and Marrison Stranks; Kate Lightfoot; Jerica and Dane Loeprich; Tandia and James Hantho, and great granddaughter baby Sage Eckhardt.

Doug has one sibling, Thomas Herbert Dempsey, who survives him in California; his sister Audrie Trotter passed away in 2008. He was the son of Ethel and William Dempsey.

Born and raised in Willowdale, he worked in the family general store, Dempsey Brothers, after school until he found his calling in the printing industry. Always keeping abreast of technological changes, he spent 55 years as a printer, ultimately the founder of The Delta Printing Group. He was active with the Printing Industries of America.

Doug became a Rotarian in 1959 and was twice president of the Rotary Club of Willowdale and District Governor of Rotary District 7070, 1990-91.

Dancing was an important part of Doug and Anita's lives.

Friends may visit on Thursday, July 22, 2010 from 7-9 p.m. & Friday, July 23, 2010 from 2-4 p.m. at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home (6150 Yonge Street, at Goulding, south of Steeles). A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Rotary Foundation (The Rotary Club of Willowdale, c/o Bayview Golf & Country Club, 25 Fairway Heights Drive, Thornhill, ON L3T 3X1), would be much appreciated.

"Doug, in your full life on this earth, you provided inspiration and encouragement to many and, just like your father, Bill, you usually had a story to tell or the words of a song to help friends along the pathway of life."