Douglas William Alderson was born on February 14, 1943-a Valentine’s Day arrival that perfectly foreshadowed a life defined by love, devotion, and deep connection. Born in Cobourg, Ontario to Maurice and Elva Alderson (née Curtis), Doug was forever anchored to Cold Springs, the place that shaped his heart and sense of belonging. He spoke of it often, telling epic stories of boyhood adventures with equal parts pride and mischief. His bond with his sister Faye was a treasured gift, marked by loyalty, laughter, and a lifetime of shared history.
Doug devoted his life to education, answering a calling he embraced with passion, humility, and joy. He graduated from Peterborough Teachers College in 1962 and began teaching Grade 8 that very same year at Grafton Public School. In a story that never failed to impress, Doug became a principal at just 19 years old, earning $100 a year and the lasting respect of entire school communities. Over a remarkable 34-year career-32 of those as a principal-he shaped generations of students and educators, leading with kindness, common sense, and an unwavering belief in the importance of connection and relationship.
It was at Teachers College that Doug met the love of his life, Lorna La Joie. Their partnership began there and blossomed into a marriage rooted in faith, laughter, and devotion. Doug converted to Catholicism in 1964; in 1965 he and Lorna were married at St. Carthagh’s Church in Tweed. Together they built a life rich in purpose and love.
Doug taught with the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board starting at St. John’s Elementary in Peterborough. In 1969 he became principal at St. Teresa’s where he and Lorna welcomed their first child Jana Lee. He later moved to St. Alphonsus where their son Shane was born in 1973. His leadership journey continued through Immaculate Conception , twinned with St. Francis de Sales; St. Martin’s Ennismore twinned with St. Paul’s Lakefield; St. Anne’s; St. Peter’s Elementary; and finally St. Paul’s in Norwood where he retired in 1996-leaving behind schools forever better for having known him.
Above all else Doug was a devoted father who took great pride in watching his daughter Jana Lee play hockey as well as cheering on his son Shane during baseball games-sometimes coaching but always there supporting them both wholeheartedly! Those sporting years created countless family memories while allowing Doug & family opportunities for travel which helped foster lifelong adventures together strengthening bonds along the way!
In 1999 Doug began what he proudly called his most important role: Grampie! His five granddaughters-Kaleigh Kari Neave Tily Poppy-brought him undeniable joy each day! He was their biggest cheerleader most enthusiastic teacher endless supplier treats devoted Grampie & bringer happiness. Never missing chance share stories “his girls” ensured they knew how deeply loved they truly were! His absence will leave an immeasurable void within their lives!
Doug valued friendship as one greatest gifts & had many lifelong pals formed through teaching shared adventures over years spent laughing telling stories making unforgettable memories-from climbing Mount Washington camping trips Jim Byrne’s camp Darlington Presqu’ile down road too many others mention here! From those days also came legendary “Card Group,” circle connection camaraderie lasted more than fifty years strong!
Doug loved sports but baseball held special place heart -from early playing days Cold Springs senior ball Peterborough eventually becoming avid fan throughout lifetime. A true Toronto Blue Jays supporter nothing made him happier than enjoying game surrounded by family come spring training season everyone knows this upcoming one won’t be same without pregame postgame discussions mandatory insights unwavering plus agreed organization missed numerous chances consulting him over time! Adding fun lively rivalries home included son-in-law’s steadfast loyalty Yankees daughter-in-law’s unwavering devotion Red Sox ensuring every baseball season filled competitiveness smiles galore !
Doug also developed deep passion curling combining love sport education once again. Many years spent teaching youngsters not only how play game but value sportsmanship teamwork community spirit shared among players brought joy friends continued connections throughout life time span ! Always supportive spectator never missed chance watch granddaughters compete soccer hockey field hockey volleyball lacrosse baseball curling events alike!
An avid traveler too Master Family Road Trip Camping Adventure during Jana Lee Shane childhood times later transitioned loving all things Disney creating magical moments enjoyed alongside Lorna kids grandchildren alike! Special trips included cherished visit Cooperstown autumn final Disney trip December anytime world traveled always found connection back Cobourg Cold Springs true north guiding light guiding path ahead through uncertain waters…
Daughter Jana Lee Lynde husband Jack daughters Kaleigh Kari (Trent); son Shane Alderson wife Kate Murphy daughters Neave Tily Poppy survive him along devoted sister Faye Graham Wayne loving nephews late Kelly Scott (passed March2023) Robin Graham (Nicole children Kolby Indy) Dean Graham Carla children Maddie Tommy Ella also La Joie family spanning province nearby.
Predeceased beloved wife Lorna Alderson passed away December2016 together again reunited energies undeniably force full light laughter surround all who remain behind mourning loss yet grateful for having known learned from extraordinary soul like Doug lived incredible journey inspiring us daily even now more so than ever before …
Friends family received HIGHLAND PARK FUNERAL CENTRE ,2510 Bensfort Road Peterborough Monday February9 ,2026 from2:00-4:00 pm then7:00-9:00pm Mass Christian Burial takes place Tuesday February10 ,2026 @10 :30 am ST. ALPHONSUS
LIGUORI ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH ,1066 Western Avenue Peterborough followed interment reception Highland Park Funeral Home. In lieu flowers donations Sick Kids Alzheimer Society Heart Stroke Association appreciated family immensely online condolences may made www. highlandparkfuneralcentre. com
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