Douglas Andrew Aitchison of Listowel passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at the age of 85 years.
Loved husband of Lois (Shackleton) Aitchison.
Proud father of Heather & Steve Worboys of Long Point, and Jacquie & Doug Schmidt of Elmira.
Grandfather of Brad, Lisa, Kyle, Halle, and Corbin, and great-grandfather of Nathan, Ryan, and Griffin.
Predeceased by his parents Andrew & Mary (Cochrane) Aitchison, sister Ruth and her husband David Peppler, brothers-in-law Wayne Shackleton, Jim Shackleton and Ron Gibb, sisters-in-law Elaine Gibb, Marie McDonald and Karen Shackleton, and nephews Allan Peppler, Brian Shackleton, and Stewart Shackleton.
Doug has lived his entire life in North Perth. He was born and raised on a farm, just outside of Listowel and continued with the family farm business until his retirement in 2001. His involvement as a community leader began at a young age when he was a 4-H Leader, an active participant in Junior Farmers, and served as the Perth County Assistance Agricultural Representative. As a dairy farmer he was nominated to serve on the first Perth County Milk Board and continued with this for several years. In addition to this he was a member of the Elma Community Center Board.
He tirelessly continued to support many rural initiatives and served for many years on the Agricultural Society in various roles. Doug was key in organizing the “Harvest Auctions” a fund-raising event for rejuvenation of the Agricultural Hall and fairgrounds. Throughout the years he was actively involved serving with the Ontario Plowmans Association. As Chairman of the 1988 International Plowing Match (IPM) held in Stratford and as Co-Chairman of the 2005 IPM held locally on Carson’s Farms, he was no stranger to the local community. This accomplishment requires enormous dedication and planning, working with numerous stakeholders to make such an event a success. On behalf of the Perth County Plowman’s Association, he hosted the Perth County Plowing Match on his farm. Testimonials from colleagues, community partner and peers describe Douglas Aitchison as “a visionary”, has a natural ability to set an example, to build supportive relationships and to motivate every team member. He was a familiar face at David Carson’s Auctions for many years.
Doug’s initiative and leadership expanded into his church community. He was a faithful elder for more than 40 years at the Listowel Knox Presbyterian Church and continued to serve as an elder emeritus. As chairman of the Building Committee for the new Christian Wing at Knox, he made a significant and lasting contribution to his church community.
Doug also served a six-year term on the Maitland Terrace Board and was integral in the building of the Maitland Seniors Housing Development.
In 2005, he received the Norm Stirling Citizen of the Year Award.
He truly embodied the idea that leadership is action, not position – always the man behind the scenes, quietly guiding and getting things done. As Harry Truman once said, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.” That spirit defined how he served his church and community.
Doug always had his priorities straight. Family came first – always. Closely behind were his friends, neighbours and community, all of whom he cared for deeply and supported without hesitation.
Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Arif Qureshi and the incredible nursing staff on the second floor for their compassionate and attentive care. Your kindness meant so much during a difficult time.
Visitation will be held at the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel on Monday, August 4 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Funeral was held at Knox Presbyterian Church, Listowel Tuesday, August 5 at 11:00 a.m. The service was live-streamed, and the link is available on the funeral home website.
Interment was in Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.
Memorial donations to Listowel Memorial Hospital Foundation, Listowel Knox Presbyterian Church, St. Joseph’s Health Care: Ivey Eye Institute, or Diabetes Canada would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be left at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca
