REID: John Douglas ‘Doug’ Hays
Posted By On January 8, 2026 @ 12:00 AM In Goderich, Obituary | 4 Comments
On Thursday, January 8th, John Douglas Hays Reid—known to family and friends simply as “Doug”—passed away peacefully after a brief illness at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario, just weeks after celebrating his 89th birthday.
Born in Stratford, Ontario, on November 30, 1936, Doug was the beloved son of Reginald Sutherland Reid and Janet Agnes (Hays) Reid. He will be fondly remembered by his niece and nephews: Jane and Stan Uher of Blenheim, Stephen and Grace Benedict of Mitchell, and Mark and Lisa Benedict of Goderich. Doug was predeceased by his sister Barbara Ann Benedict and her husband William James Benedict of St. Thomas.
Doug was a proud lifelong bachelor who lived life on his own terms, embracing adventure and independence. His love for the water was unmatched. Over the years he built, bought, and sold numerous large sailing yachts, spending countless summer days anchored in his favorite harbors of Bayfield and Goderich. The lakes and oceans were his sanctuary.
Doug also had a passion for cars. He appreciated both their beauty and performance, and he was often seen cruising around the town square in his distinctive purple Dodge Challenger—a sight that always turned heads and sparked conversation. Driving was more than transportation for Doug; it was an expression of his individuality and zest for life.
A passionate football fan, Doug followed both the NFL and CFL with enthusiasm. Family gatherings at Christmas or Thanksgiving often found him sneaking away to check the scores—until someone caught him in the act with a smile.
Doug’s professional life was dedicated to banking, with a career that spanned CIBC, Beneficial Finance, and most notably, the Bank of Nova Scotia, where he held key management positions across Ontario.
Cremation has taken place, and a private interment will be held at Maitlandbank Cemetery in Seaforth, where Doug will rest alongside his parents and family on what was once the family farm. A celebration of Doug’s life will be held in the spring when the roads and waterways are clear.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Doug’s memory may be made to the Alexandra and Marine Hospital in Goderich. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and medical staff at the Goderich Hospital and Victoria Hospital Ortho Trauma Unit in London for their kind and compassionate care.
Doug will be deeply missed—most of all on summer Saturday evenings at 4:00 p.m. sharp when he would arrive at the cottage to gather with family and friends to share a cold beer, good company and a home-cooked meal.
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” – Jacques Cousteau
Arrangements entrusted to McCallum & Palla Funeral Home, 11 Cambria Road North, Goderich.
Condolences for the family of “REID: John Douglas ‘Doug’ Hays”
Our deepest condolences to Doug’s family and friends. Barbara and I knew Doug for many years including when he was a regular customer of ours at Becker’s. We also enjoyed sharing a “pint” with him on several occasions. We feel privileged to have known him.
Doug was an important and fondly remembered member of our “Brindley Beach Family”. His quick response and lightning speed reaction when the folding chair I was sitting in collapsed into the sand, Doug grabbed my Beer out of my hand saving the beer for later consumptions allowing me to drop onto the sand unencumbered. Doug also helped me “navigate the desert tray” at our many “family potlucks” Thanks Doug for all the good memories and for being a friend.
Mick.
So sorry to learn of Doug’s passing. He was often in my thoughts and the great times during our high school years, playing hooky with “Joe” Jack Riddell and catching a matinee movie at the Avon Theatre, or weekend cruising around Goderich, Doug, “Rocky” in his yellow Ford convertible, and “Joe” (Jack) and I in our MG’s
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Sorry to hear of Doug”s passing . I will fondly remember him from the cottage day get togethers 💐