With heavy hearts, the family of Doug Cross announce his peaceful passing, on September 21, 2022, at the Emo Health Centre, following a ten-year journey with cancer.
Douglas Cecil Cross was born in Emo on May 8, 1954, to Victor and May Cross. He grew up on the family farm in Aylsworth Twp., developing his love of farming equipment and horses. Doug attended school in Emo, and Fort Frances High School. After high school he worked for Big Red Equipment, completing his trade as a Farm Equipment mechanic. He enjoyed being able to go out to farms to do repair work, and visit with the farmers. Doug’s next venture was with larger machines, working for contractors Alton Pollard, Leon DeGagne and M.L. Judson, running bulldozers and backhoes. He loved anything with a motor, but the bigger and more powerful, the better!
Health problems forced Doug to retire early but he still liked to be out and about to see the farmers working the land, how the crops were coming and especially the harvest. He liked to point out all the places he had worked over the years. Doug had a passion for stock car racing, having his own car for a few years with cousin Gord Lampi, and never missing a night at the Emo Speedway or an opportunity to go to races in Minnesota especially when Ashley would join him. Doug was a member of the R. C. Legion Branch 99 where he enjoyed visiting his many friends, and dancing at the Country Jams. He loved old-time country music and old TV shows, particularly “Gunsmoke” and “Andy Griffith.” Doug was a “people person.” It made his day to have a smart remark, a few words and a laugh with anyone he knew – and he knew a lot of people! He enjoyed a camaraderie with his co-workers, especially if they could tease and make fun of each other while they did their job. Doug made the best of wherever he was, at any given time, always saying something to make others laugh, even to his final day. He didn’t like the serious side of life, leaving that for Coleen to worry about.
Left to grieve Doug’s passing is his wife of 43 years, Coleen; son Jeffrey; daughter Ashley (Dale Huotari) and special grandchildren Nikolas and Eva Huotari; sisters Kathy DeGagne, Patsy Cross, Vicki (David) Ogilvie, and Lori (Bill) Woodgate and their families; brothers-in-law Darrell (Marilyn) Hansen and Jeff (Andrea McNabb) Hansen and their families. Also aunts and uncles Ken and Sheila Carmody, Julie and Lloyd Johnson, Florence Lampi, Lorena Jaman and Dixie Kivi, and numerous cousins.
Doug was predeceased by his parents Victor and May Cross; in-laws Walter and Thelma Hansen; and brother-in-law Yves DeGagne.
Per Doug’s wishes, no service will be held. A family gathering will be planned for a later date. If friends so desire, memorial donations can be made to Riverside Foundation for Emo Health Centre.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd. Emo, Ontario
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Grant me a sense of humour Lord,
the saving grace to see a joke,
to win some happiness from life,
and pass it on to other folk.
– An Irish prayer
