With broken hearts, we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Douglas William Cuddy as a result of a stroke surrounded by the love of his family. Doug is survived by his daughter Sarah Walsh (John), son Matthew, beloved grandson Jack Douglas Walsh, siblings Graham (Penny), Ila, Donald (Amy), Chris, Judy, David (Pat), Lorraine (Doug), Diane (Todd), Eleanor (Doug), Bob (Lori), and Casey (Denise), and many nieces and nephews. He is greatly missed by his best friend and canine companion Kali and countless incredible friends and extended family. His loving wife Sharon predeceased him. Doug was born to George and Roberta Cuddy (Faull) on December 6, 1946 in Harlowe, Ontario. One of 12 children, he grew up there in rural Eastern Ontario. He obtained a degree in Agriculture majoring in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from the University of Guelph in 1970. He worked at the Sea Lamprey Control Centre (SLCC) with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in Sault Ste. Marie from 1970 until he retired in 2006. He married Sharon in 1983, after working together at SLCC.

Doug was a very present and loving father instilling solid values of helping family, friends, and strangers, teaching his own children and others to love nature and to enjoy what they are given in life. He truly lived by the Golden Rule. He lived by his convictions and would always give his opinion solicited or otherwise. He was a very proud Gramps to Jack. The two of them could light a room when they were together. He would play any game, make faces, change diapers, and snuggle up for naps together.

Throughout life, working and retired, Doug was heavily involved in volunteering in the community. Most of his volunteer work was focused on youth and promoting healthy lifestyles with the Soo Finnish Ski Club, where he coached cross-country skiing, officiated at cross-country ski and biathlon events, and acted as Trail Chair for Hiawatha Highlands. In this latter role, Doug, invariably accompanied by his dog Kali, was a familiar sight to users of the Hiawatha trail system, as he spent countless hours brushing trails, clearing windfalls, and building bridges. He always had a warm smile and friendly greeting ready at hand for anyone who passed by him as he worked, and his cheerful demeanor belied the fact that he regularly returned home exhausted and sore after a heavy day of working in the service of others.

“Mr. Cuddy” was a regular fixture at local high school track and cross country and other running events, where he could be found operating timing equipment, setting up the course, or cleaning up afterwards. He also volunteered with YMCA, Clean North, Algoma Rod and Gun, Biathlon Ontario, Algoma Beekeepers Association, and a Public Interest Advisory Group for the International Joint Commission on matters related to Great Lakes water levels. Doug always preferred to quietly get things done rather than talk about what needed to be done. Friends and neighbours could regularly spot Doug working in his vegetable garden, puttering in his workshop, or helping anyone who might need assistance in any way. The kitchen was the heart of the Cuddy home, and Doug’s love for gardening allowed him to serve large meals with the freshest of ingredients to a table full on little notice. There was always plenty to go around, even for unexpected guests. He would also share his love for cooking by leaving a pot of soup on a neighbour’s doorstep. Doug often welcomed cross-country touring cyclists into his home through the “Warm Showers” program, loved cooking them a hardy meal and getting to know his guests.

Doug was a selfless man, and got personal satisfaction out of helping others. His help came to his friends and family in many forms, from hard physical labour to looking up information in one of the many books in the “Cuddy Library”. Doug was sharp, witty and the “go to” person for so many.

Doug has left a gaping hole in the hearts of all of those who were blessed to have him in their lives. We can only hope to make him proud by mirroring his kindness and generosity to others. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to the medical team at Sault Area Hospital and to all of the friends and family that have offered support in this sudden loss. In keeping with Doug’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 23 from 2-5pm at 1022 Fourth Line East. This will be a come and go event please drop in, share stories, and celebrate the life of Doug Cuddy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, ARCH Hospice, or the National Brittany Rescue Association. In memory of Doug, please spend some time with your family and friends outdoors.



Charitable donations may be made to:

Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH)
229 Fourth Line West, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 0B5
Tel: 1-705-942-1556
Web: http://www.archhospice.ca


National Brittany Rescue and Adoption Network
PO Box 5046, Greensburg, PA 15601-5058
Web: https://www.nbran.org/index.asp