It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Douglas MacLennan, father of Daryl MacLennan (#785).
Our sincerest condolences go out to Daryl, their family, and friends from the Scarborough Fire Fighters Retirees.
Douglas Roderick MacLennan
November 8, 1931 – January 12, 2024
Doug MacLennan passed away peacefully on January 12, 2024, at the age of 92. Predeceased by his best friend and loving wife Alyce. Leaving behind to miss him greatly are his children Linda, Cathy (Mike), and Daryl (Megan), his adoring sister Carol Robinson, his grandchildren Vanessa, Matthew, Zachary, Ryan, Taylor, Carson, and Charlotte, his great-grandchildren Nolan and Sydney and his nieces and nephews.
Doug will also be lovingly remembered by his step-children David, Paul (Linda), Allison (Phillip), and Sean (Laurie) and friend Laura, his step-grandchildren Justine, Daniel, Anna, Peter, Alan, Michael, Stephen, Bridget, Krissie, Parker and Sydney and step-great-granddaughter Emillia.
He was born and raised in Toronto. After attending the Ontario College of Art for one year, Doug was awarded football scholarships to play for Stetson University and later at Bowling Green State University, a rare opportunity for a Canadian at that time. He was especially proud of the Varsity letter he earned at each school. It was at Stetson where he met his first wife and mother of his children, Miriam. After graduating and returning to Canada, he was hired by fitness expert Lloyd Percival to work on Sports College, first a radio program, later becoming a TV exercise show on CFTO. In 1963, he helped create and bring to life the Fitness Institute, originally at the Inn on the Park, then moving in 1969 to what became a world class fitness facility in Willowdale. For much of his career, he spent many hours preparing programs and training Canadian Olympians, professional athletes, and members of the club.
In addition to his interest in military history, Doug had a passion for planes and flying. After retirement from the Fitness Institute, he thoroughly enjoyed his many flight simulators. When his family would travel, he would “fly” right along with them, landing in many airports around the world from the comfort of his home.
Throughout his life, Doug remained a friendly, well-spoken gentleman who had a great sense of humor and a wonderful ability to tell a story.
Visitation at Pine Hills Funeral Centre on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 11 am will be followed by a memorial service at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Scarborough Health Network Foundation would be appreciated by the family.