Doug was born and brought up in Kingston, Ontario. After high school at Regiopotis College and Kingston Collegiate and Vocational Institute, he attended the University of Alberta at Calgary which became the University of Calgary from which he graduated with a B.A. in 1968. He obtained his LL.B. from Queen’s University in 1972.

He was called to the Bar in 1974 and articled and practised law in Toronto with the Phelan, O’Brien, Rutherford, Lawer and Shannon law firm until he, his wife Nancy and daughter Allison moved to Perth in March, 1975. Angie was born in Perth in August, 1976.

He took an associate position with Hugh and John Willson and soon became a partner with John Willson when Hugh Willson semi-retired.

Doug became active in the community with the Library Board, the Jaycees and the Rotary Club. He was on the Perth Public Utilities Commission and sat as chairman for 8 years. He remains a Director of the Ontario Municipal Water Association. He also sits on the Board of the Friends of the Tay Watershed.

He is active in St. John the Baptist parish and is also involved at the Diocesan level. In 2001 he received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifce medal from Pope John Paul II.

Doug retired form the practise in 2005, but continues to sit as a Deputy Judge in Small Claims Court in Lanark County, Ottawa and Renfrew County. He is on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Deputy Judges’ Association.