Obituary of Douglas James MacPhee

We are very sad to announce that Doug has passed away, much too young, in just his 61st year. It was a short life, but a life well lived. Doug was blessed with loving family, friends and neighbours. He was a good person with a big heart and he will be missed by many! Douglas James MacPhee was born on September 5th,1964 at Louise Marshall Hospital in Mount Forest, Ontario and passed away at Parkwood Hospital, London on Friday, August 22, 2025. Doug overcame the obstacles of being born prematurely, with mild cerebral palsy. He endured corrective procedures on his legs as a young child. He also suffered from environmental allergies which was an annoyance to the kid who loved to be outdoors. At age 3, his family moved to Harrow, Ontario, which Doug considered to be his hometown. School was not Doug's 'thing'. He gave his teachers a run for their money and a few extra grey hairs. He left high school as soon as he was able. Dougie was a hands on, mechanically inclined kind of guy. He had many great mentors and he learned how to build and repair just about anything. Doug worked hard and played harder. He had many 'partners in crime', long time, loyal friends, who have been of great support right to the end. They'll have a story or two to tell! Doug had a variety of jobs in his younger years including, BP, County Towing, Larry Renaud Ford, and Sellick Equipment. His job with Wajax took him to live in London, Ontario and he later purchased his home in nearby Dorchester. Doug spent the bulk of his career at Accuride Canada Inc in London, retiring in 2023. He was a valued 30 year employee working in plant maintenance of all mobile units, as well as in safety training. He was an involved member of Unifor Local 27. Doug cherished the friendships made with his many colleagues over the years. He made friends easily wherever he went. They will all tell you that If you needed help, Doug would drop what he was doing and be right there. Beloved by all, Doug is survived by his sons, Kyle MacPhee and Robert Lariviere (Jasmine Blanchard), and Doug's partner Jenny Lariviere; his granddaughter, Octavia Lariviere; his sister, Melody Elvidge (John) and their family Mitchell Elvidge (Hayley Hopkins), Kaitlyn Boswell (David, Alivia & Bohan Boswell), and Cassidy Elvidge; as well as many extended family members. Doug was predeceased by his parents, Douglas Currie and Melva Isabel Cecella ('Melvie' Coutts) MacPhee, his twin brother, Donald John MacPhee, and his grandparents, John Douglas MacPhee & Susie Madeline (Stewart) McPhee, and James Andrew & R. Isabel (Haas) Coutts. The family would like to extend gratitude to Doug's dedicated, caring oncology team at LHSC, the doctors and the wonderful staff at Victoria Hospital and Parkwood Institute Palliative units, as well as the numerous family and friends who were so supportive throughout this difficult year. Dougie will, no doubt, be in his glory, greeting family members and friends, with his pets chasing behind, searching junk yards and swap meets for parts, attending cruise nights and speeding in his Montego, one of his Chevys or another one of his favorites, hammer down, without care of the chase. He'll be working on the yard or one of his vehicles, with the race on in the background, and finally getting that steak, burger and other foods that he has missed so much. A Tim's coffee and a smoke will definitely be included. He'll once again be smiling and telling his jokes, "Hey, I've got a good one for you!" Consider donating to a charity of your choice, doing a kind deed and/or sharing some humour in memory of Doug. A celebration of Doug's life will be announced. A private family burial will take place in Holstein Cemetery, Holstein, ON at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.biemanfuneralhome.com (Bieman Funeral Home, 3970 Hamilton Road, Dorchester, ON N0L 1G2 - (519)-268-7672 - in charge of arrangements)