In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

 

Douglas Edward Murch

 

Coder, V40131, RCNVR

 

Born: 12 Oct 1920, Preston, Ontario

 

Died: 05 Jul 2012, Guelph, Ontario

 

MURCH, Douglas Edward - Passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 5, 2012 in his 92nd year, at Hospice Wellington Residence, with his family by his side. Doug was born in Galt on October 12, 1920 to William and Della Murch (nee Harris) from Preston, and was a "big brother" to Jack and Eileen (Green). Doug went on to serve in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II, on HMCS AGASSIZ K129. While stationed in Halifax during the war, Doug met the love of his life, Helen Ferguson, and they were married in Preston in 1945. Doug and Helen spent the next 61 years together, until Helen passed away in 2006. Doug worked for the Preston PUC for 30 years and then he retired to do what he always wanted to do – play guitar. Doug is survived by his children, Glenn (Janet) of Puslinch and Keith (Cathy) of Cambridge and their families. Glenn and Janet have one son, Rob Dick (Tammy) of Cambridge and a granddaughter Nicole. Keith and Cathy have two children Paul (Cassie) of Chatham and Lauren of Cambridge. Doug is a member of the Preston Branch #126 of the Royal Canadian Legion. He has so many wonderful friends who have made his life rich, including the amazing people from Home Instead, especially Pauline and Claudia, who made it possible for Doug to live in his home until now. A special thanks to Shirley Schut and the rest of the staff at Hospice Wellington for the wonderful care provided for Doug in his final days. The family will receive friends at the Barthel Funeral Home, 566 Queenston Road, Cambridge, Ontario N3H 3J8 (519-653-3251) on Friday July 6, 2012 from 6 – 9 pm. A Celebration of Doug's life will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday July 7, 2012 at 2 pm with visitation from 11 am until time of Service. Interment will follow at Park Lawn Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the , Hospice Wellington Residence, or the charity of choice would be appreciated by the family.

 

Ships served in:

HMCS STAR - Enlisted 07 Nov 1941. Commenced Active Service 12 Jan 1942. Served in STAR 12 Nov 1941 - 09 Mar 1942

HMCS AGASSIZ - Served in AGASSIZ 24 Mar 1943 - 20 Mar 1944 as a Coder, RCNVR

HMCS STAR - Drafted to Star 23 Jul 1945 as a Coder, RCNVR.  Demobilized 14 Sep 1945

 

Click on the above photo to read Coder Murch's wartime story


 

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