At the Ottawa General Hospital on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, Doug Vandemheen, age 68, of Dunrobin, passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved him.
Doug was the beloved partner of Franca Robillard and proud Dad of Nicole (Dave) Hawken and Janelle Vandemheen. Stepdad to Jordan (Brittaney) Robillard. He was the cherished Grandpa of Scarlett and Ocean Hawken. Dearly loved son of Phyllis and the late Bill Vandemheen. Treasured brother of Brian, Kathy (Rob Gourgon), and the late Kevin Vandemheen. Dear uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Doug was many things to many people: a businessman, mentor, brother, son, Dad, Grandpa, partner and friend. But above all, he was a fighter. Strong-willed and stubborn, he was never one to back down from a challenge. That stubbornness was also one of his greatest strengths. He faced whatever life put in front of him head-on and fought hard to overcome every obstacle, right until the very end. To his family, he was simply the strongest person we knew.
He was meticulous about everything from his perfectly kept lawn to his carefully organized sticky notes, and he took pride in doing things well. Behind his tough exterior was an incredibly caring and loving man. He adored his granddaughters and had a particularly soft spot for his cats. He loved spending time in Jamaica and coming home to his log home, where he enjoyed life with Franca and took pride in the home they had built together.
He taught his daughters from a young age that you could always find a way forward; you just had to be willing to try. More than anything, he wanted them to be capable, independent women who knew they could handle whatever life put in front of them. That lesson will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
His greatest professional legacy was not simply the business he built, but the people he built it with. He believed in treating people with respect and took a genuine interest in those who worked alongside him. He had a particular gift for recognizing someone who was willing to work hard and giving them the opportunity to find their way. In return, he earned a loyalty that went far beyond employment. The many messages of love and remembrance from those who worked with him are a testament to the lasting impact he had on their lives.
He worked hard, loved harder, and there will simply never be another Doug.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Eagle Creek Golf Club, 109 Royal Troon Lane, Dunrobin on Friday October 16, 2026 from 2 to 4 p.m. By family request, donations in memory of Doug may be made to a memorial scholarship fund being established in his name. Further details will be shared by the family.
Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain (613-989-3836). Online condolences may be shared at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.ca
12 Condolences for Douglas “Doug” William Vandemheen
Condolences(12)
Cheryl (Volks) Mussell says
September 13, 2026 at 4:09 pmMy sincere condolences to Doug’s family…I was very sorry to hear this news! Many years ago, Doug was a good friend.
David Vandemheen says
September 19, 2026 at 5:03 amCondolences to Doug’s family. Sorry for your loss.
Clara (holmes) and George Edwardson says
September 13, 2026 at 8:05 pmGeorge and I want to give you and your family our sincere condolences. You will be in our thoughts and prayers as you go forward. The years go by without us seeing people we knew so well in the past- but we have great memories of those years. God Bless each of you as you go forward.
Rob Laderoute says
September 16, 2026 at 5:56 pmMelodie and I send our condolences. ❤️
Leif Janichen says
September 14, 2026 at 8:46 amMy sincere condolences to Franca and Doug’s Family. I have known Doug for many years in the electrical industry and he will be sadly missed
Leif Janichen
Jeff Tremblay says
September 14, 2026 at 9:37 amOur industry lost one of its own.
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Doug. While we often found ourselves on opposite sides as competitors, I always considered him a colleague, a respected industry professional, and a close friend.
Through many years serving together on industry associations, I came to appreciate his dedication, insight, and willingness to contribute to the betterment of our industry. He earned the respect of everyone around him, not only for his expertise but for the way he conducted himself.
My thoughts and prayers are with Franca, family, friends, and coworkers during this difficult time.
He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Jeff Tremblay
Gerry Gray says
September 14, 2026 at 1:45 pmRest in peace Doug.
sincere thoughts and condolences to loved ones, family and friends..
Joan & Lawrence Larocque says
September 14, 2026 at 4:14 pmPhyllis, Kathy and family
Our condolences on Doug’s death.
Cuell's says
September 16, 2026 at 10:08 pmNicole and Janelle; We are so sorry for your loss and hope the memories of your dad will help comfort you during this sad time. We are thinking of you and sending big hugs!
Love Brad, Joanne, Rob and Kari
John kenny says
September 19, 2026 at 3:11 amFranca and families our warmest condolences for your loss, John & Leona Kenny
Gerry St Pierre says
September 25, 2026 at 8:37 amDoug was a dear friend, a great mentor, and a brilliant man, who I admired and looked up to. He had a huge impact on my life, and I will be forever grateful for the years I spent working alongside him at Carr Electric.
I’m so sorry Franca that Doug was taken from you at such a young age. My heart aches for you both.
I know that Doug made every single day of his life matter. He was always “all in” with anything he did. He lived his life to the fullest, setting an example for so many people.
Rest in peace my friend. You will be missed, and will never be forgotten.
With Love,
Gerry (and Gayle) St Pierre
Brian Duff says
September 28, 2026 at 1:59 pmJust heard, so sorry for your loss Franca and family. Doug always treated me well, he was one of the good guys I will always remember him fondly. Brian Duff
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