Passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on Monday March 20, 2023, at the age of 95. Austin was born in Bolton, England. He lived and worked in Australia from 1949-1953 then immigrated to Canada. Predeceased by his wife Jean (Fremming) of 47 years. Austin and Jean met at a Christmas party in 1957 and it was love at first sight. They were engaged in January 1958 and married in May. They settled down to the “serious business of raising 6 kids.” Loving father of Mark (Carol), John (Sandra), Joan (Paul), Margaret (Dennis), Richard (Jennifer), Judy and grandfather to Merryn, Stuart, Amelia, Charles, Sabrina, Jonathan, Joey, Amanda, Keely, Evan, Swanee, and great grandfather to Emma, Addie, Samuel, and Brooks.
Predeceased by parents Herbert and Edith and brother Fr. Herbert S.D.B. and sisters Ursula, Joan and Margaret in England.
Austin obtained his BSc. Tech (Hons) at Manchester in 1948 and his Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering in 1960 at M.I.T.
Austin enjoyed a lifetime career in planning, design, construction and management of airports in Canada, Australia and many other countries while seconded to the World Bank in Washington D.C. He had many fond memories of friends and colleagues in Transport Canada and the Treasury Board.
Austin’s love of aviation led him to obtain his commercial pilot licence WGC 7170. Since retiring, Austin enjoyed his volunteer work at the Aviation Museum. He also enjoyed his weekly bridge sessions with friends.
Many thanks to the Palliative Care Team at the Civic Hospital in Ottawa.
Eucharistic celebration will be held at 1pm on Monday March 27, 2023 at Annunciation of the Lord Church, 2414 Ogilvie Road, Beacon Hill, Ottawa. No visitation at the Funeral Home. Private burial planned at Beechwood Cemetery. Live stream is available at annunciation-ottawa.com.
For those who wish, donations to the Ottawa Heart Institute would be appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Mike Michaluk
Emma Major
I knew Austin as Mr. Douglas. He was my cousins grandfather and my uncle’s dad. Even though we were not related by blood he always went out of his way to include me at family gatherings when we got the chance to celebrate a wedding or an event. I will miss him, his quick wit, knowing amused glances and easy smile.
Dianne Theoret-Major and Kent Major
I first met Jean and Austin when they dropped their daughter Margret off at the Theoret home in Blackburn. Around the same time Mark came into the picture (and Carol and Mark started their journey together) . I visited the Douglas home a few times, it was nice to be included and Austin would always asked me a question, he really listened and would speak with me as if I too was part of the family. I enjoyed many weddings and events where we would talk.
Our sympathy to all of you, for the losing of an amazing Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. You are are all in my prayers to remember the best of times.
With great respect for your family.
Dianne and Kent Major
Doris Haddad ( friend of Jennifer Douglas )
My deepest condolences to the family.
Sounds like a great man !
Uncle Ernie and Auntie Tootsie Michaluk were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Douglas. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Douglas family. Mr Douglas will always be remembered as a wonderful life time freind and gentlemen. The memories of all the good times over the past 60 plus yrs will always be treasured.
Wishing the Douglas family lots of luck, peace and love.
Sincerely Mike Michaluk.