Obituary of Doug King
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a wonderful partner, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Douglas Weldon King passed away on October 13, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 4, 1936, in Saint John, he was the son of the late B. Scott King and Marion Burns (Saunders).
Doug was a proud Saint Johner, though he spent many of his younger years in Western Bay, Newfoundland. Beginning as a teen, he worked nights as a checker for CP Rail at Port SJ. After graduating from Saint John Vocational School as a machinist, he went on to a four-year apprenticeship with J. Fred Williamson. He then worked at Ocean Steel, and later retired from Rothesay Paper in 1991.
Doug did not slow down after retirement. He prided himself on working hard and being the “King of Hospitality” through his entrepreneurial spirit and his passion for people and the city of Saint John. Through his motel business, he became involved with many associations, including Hospitality Saint John and the Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick, as well as various meet and greet committees for cruise ship and airport passengers. He was also a Senior Goodwill Ambassador for the Province of New Brunswick for many years. In recognition of his dedication to the industry, Doug received the Marmie Campbell Volunteer Award in 2001 and the Cruise Ship Lifetime Volunteer Award in 2010.
From a young age, Doug enjoyed sports. He played football for the Saint John Wanderers, and he was inducted into the Wanderers Hall of Fame in 2014. Every hunting season you could find him in the woods with the boys. In retirement, he enjoyed fishing at Ball’s Lake and expeditions to Labrador. Most seasons you would find him at the camp in Cambridge Narrows with the family and working on a project with his buddy Pat. Doug loved spending time with family and friends, playing marbles and cards, and would often remind you he was “The Champ.”
Doug leaves behind his loving partner Lillian Hull, and he will be dearly missed by his children, Susan Downing and Scott King, and their mother Roberta King. He was “Grampy” to Laura Downing (Brandon Laskey) and Alex Downing, and “Great Grampy” to Lincoln and Levi Laskey. Aside from his parents, he was predeceased by his stepmother Margaret King, stepfather Leo Burns, brother Jack Waring, and special helper Pat LeBlanc.
Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506-634-7424), visitation will take place on Thursday, October 19th, 2023, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. A Royal Canadian Legion Tribute will be held on Thursday evening at 6pm. A Memorial Service will take place at Brenan’s Funeral Home on Friday, October 20th, 2023, at 2pm. Interment to follow in Cedar Hill Extension Cemetery. In keeping with Doug’s wishes, a reception will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 69 following interment.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.BrenansFH.com.
